Speaker Bio
Over the past 20+ years, Amy Walter has built a reputation as an accurate, objective, and insightful political analyst with unparalleled access to campaign insiders and decision-makers. Known as one of the best political journalists covering Washington, she is the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the Cook Political Report and the former political director of ABC News. From 1997–2007, Walter served as senior editor of the Cook Political Report. She is also a regular panelist on NBC’s Meet the Press, Fox News’ Special Report with Bret Baier, and CBS' Face the Nation. She provides political analysis every Monday evening for the PBS NewsHour.
In her presentations, Walter expertly breaks down the electoral process, congressional culture, and the Washington political scene. Her astuteness, wit, and range of expertise create an engaging, compelling presentation, and her reliable and accurate analysis has earned her numerous accolades. Amy Walter takes audiences on an insider’s tour of Washington through the eyes of the woman with her finger on the pulse of politics.
Political History. While at ABC, Walter oversaw the organization’s political coverage – including the daily political tip sheet The Note, guided the editorial content of all political news, and provided on air analysis. She co-hosted 2012 election night coverage for the Yahoo!-ABC News Network with Good Morning America weekend anchor Dan Harris. She and Harris also anchored the live-streamed coverage for the presidential and vice presidential debates. Before ABC, she was the editor-in-chief of The Hotline, Washington’s premier daily briefing on American politics. There she served as the political publication’s primary voice for three years, and she provided regular analysis of the national political environment in her weekly National Journal column, On the Trail.
Walter has provided election night coverage and analysis since 1998 and was a member of CNN’s Emmy-award winning election night team in 2006. She has also been a regular contributor to PBS’ NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, and has provided political analysis on virtually every major political program on television.
Accolades and Education. Named one of the “Top 50 Journalists” by Washingtonian magazine, Walter was dubbed one of the most powerful people in politics in George magazine for her insights into the mechanics that make the political machine run. She also won the Washington Post’s Crystal Ball Award for her spot-on election predictions and has been frequently quoted as a congressional election expert in newspapers such as the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and the New York Times. Charlie Cook, editor and publisher of the Cook Political Report, said, “Today, her work is trusted and respected by Democrats and Republicans alike. She knows how to get beyond bluster and spin to unearth – and explain – what really matters in a political arena. And, she has a proven track record of success, which is essential for those whose jobs depend on accurate political forecasting.”
Walter graduated summa cum laude from Colby College. She was also honored by her alma mater her with an honorary PhD, and is as a Trustee Emeritus. She is also a member of the Board of Advisors for the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics.