Who Operates RealClearPolitics? Leadership, Origins, and Access

Table of Contents

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Introduction to RealClearPolitics

RealClearPolitics (RCP) has become a cornerstone in U.S. political news, analysis, and polling aggregation. Since its founding in 2000, the site has built a reputation for providing balanced coverage, innovative polling data, and insightful editorial content. For anyone seeking to understand the inner workings of American politics, comprehending who runs RealClearPolitics and how the organization operates is essential. This article offers a comprehensive guide to the site’s founders, leadership, evolution, and the actionable ways you can benefit from its resources.

Founders and Leadership Structure

RealClearPolitics was co-founded by John McIntyre and Tom Bevan in 2000. Both men were driven by a deep passion for politics and a desire to create a centralized hub for the best political news and analysis available online. At the time, McIntyre was working as a trader at the Chicago Board Options Exchange, while Bevan had an extensive background in advertising and communications [1] [2] [3] .

John McIntyre serves as CEO and is also Chair of BGR’s Advisory Board. He guides RCP’s strategic vision, business operations, and overall growth. Tom Bevan is the Executive Editor, responsible for overseeing editorial staff, content selection, and maintaining the site’s commitment to presenting diverse viewpoints [1] [3] .

The RealClear Media Group (RCMG), the parent company, now encompasses a broad range of specialty sites, original reporting, and polling services. The leadership team includes experienced editors and journalists from high-profile outlets, such as Carl Cannon (Washington bureau chief) and Tom Kuntz (RealClearInvestigations), along with president Erin Waters, formerly of Governing magazine [4] .

Origins and Mission

RCP emerged from the founders’ vision of an online clearinghouse for news that transcends geographic and ideological boundaries. The initial motivation was to aggregate the most insightful articles from across the political spectrum, making U.S. political coverage more accessible and transparent for all Americans [4] .

Unlike many media start-ups, McIntyre and Bevan did not come from traditional journalism backgrounds. This outsider perspective helped them create a platform that challenges conventional media narratives and prioritizes a wide array of viewpoints. Operating from Chicago, the founders provided a fresh vantage point outside the established Washington-New York media axis [4] .

Evolution of RealClearPolitics: Polling and News Aggregation

One of RCP’s most notable innovations is the RCP Poll Average , which aggregates public opinion surveys to provide a more accurate snapshot of election cycles. The methodology behind the RCP Poll Average is widely cited and trusted by news organizations, campaign consultants, and analysts. It is considered the definitive source for polling information, with applications ranging from Bloomberg Terminals to campaign communication teams [1] [4] .

In addition to polling, RCP expanded its offerings to include verticals such as RealClearDefense, RealClearMarkets, RealClearScience, RealClearEnergy, and RealClearInvestigations. These specialty areas provide deeper coverage of specific topics and have enabled RCP to become a comprehensive media company with wide-ranging influence [4] .

Editorial Philosophy and Team

RCP’s editorial philosophy centers on curating content that represents
all sides of the political debate
. The editorial team, led by Bevan and supported by veteran journalists, selects and analyzes articles from mainstream publications, independent outlets, and original reporting. This approach ensures that readers receive a balanced perspective-crucial for informed civic participation.

Notable contributors and editors include:

Carl Cannon , Washington Bureau Chief, a seasoned political journalist
Tom Kuntz , Editor of RealClearInvestigations, former New York Times editor
A.B. Stoddard , Associate Editor and columnist, formerly of The Hill
Tom Kavanagh , Copy Desk Chief, formerly of The Washington Post

RCP also employs contributors who have gone on to work for major news outlets, demonstrating its role as a launchpad for journalistic talent [4] .

How to Access RealClearPolitics Resources

Anyone interested in leveraging RealClearPolitics’ content and services can:

Visit the official RealClearPolitics website to access daily news aggregation, polling averages, and analysis.
Explore RCP’s specialty verticals (such as defense, markets, science) via their main navigation, offering focused coverage and expert commentary.
Review the About page for information on the editorial team, company history, and mission.
Listen to Tom Bevan’s weekly radio show on 89 WLS-AM in Chicago for deeper political analysis (check local listings for broadcast times) [3] .

For those interested in polling data for business, campaign, or research purposes, RCP publishes its aggregated poll averages on its homepage and archives, making them publicly accessible. RCP also operates RealClearOpinion Research, a polling firm for more specialized survey data and voter insights [4] .

Implementing RealClearPolitics’ Insights for Lead Generation and Sales

RealClearPolitics is not just a news aggregator-it is a strategic resource for political professionals, marketers, and civic organizations. Here’s how you can utilize RCP for actionable outcomes:

1. Tracking Political Trends

By monitoring the RCP Poll Average and curated news, you can anticipate shifts in voter sentiment, emerging political issues, and policy debates that may affect your business or advocacy efforts. This helps in targeting communications and developing informed strategies.

2. Building Authority in Political Discourse

Citing RCP data in your reports, presentations, or outreach materials enhances credibility. Many organizations use RCP polling averages in campaign documents, financial analyses, and media briefings [1] .

3. Content Curation and Thought Leadership

RCP’s aggregation model allows you to stay ahead of trending topics, understand all sides of an issue, and curate content for your audience. This can improve engagement and position you as a thought leader in the political space.

4. Networking and Recruitment

RealClearPolitics alumni frequently move to major news outlets, making RCP a valuable platform for connecting with top journalistic and analytical talent. Organizations seeking to recruit or partner with skilled professionals can engage via RCP’s contributor network or editorial team profiles [4] .

Challenges and Solutions in Leveraging RCP

While RCP offers robust resources, users may face challenges in discerning editorial bias or interpreting polling data methodologies. To address this:

Always review multiple sources alongside RCP’s reporting to ensure a balanced perspective.
Consult RCP’s methodology explanations on poll averaging for transparency on data sources and statistical treatments.
If seeking deeper insights, consider reaching out to the editorial team via their published contact information or engaging with their vertical-specific sites for specialized coverage.

For businesses and advocacy groups, integrating RCP’s insights into strategic planning can improve outcomes, but it is essential to corroborate findings with primary research and broader context.

Alternative Approaches to Political News and Data

In addition to RCP, you may consider resources such as:

Pew Research Center for detailed polling and social research
Gallup for long-term opinion tracking
The Cook Political Report for election analysis

When using these alternatives, verify the data sources and cross-reference findings to ensure comprehensive understanding and minimize risk of bias.

Key Takeaways

RealClearPolitics is run by founders John McIntyre (CEO) and Tom Bevan (Executive Editor), supported by a leadership team of experienced journalists and editors. The site has evolved from a simple aggregator to a multifaceted media company, offering polling averages, specialty verticals, and original reporting. Whether you are a political professional, marketer, or engaged citizen, RCP provides actionable resources for tracking trends, building authority, and accessing curated news. For more details, visit the official RealClearPolitics website or explore their About page for up-to-date leadership and contact information [4] .