Michael Howard (American Pulse Podcast Lead Host)

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Name: Michael Howard
Position: Lead Host of the American Pulse Podcast
Party: Democrat
Caucus: New Democrats/Third Way
Special Talent: Rhetorician

Age: 53 (0 points)

Sexuality: Straight, divorced w/ 2 kids (20 points)

Race: White (0 points)

Religion: Protestant (0 points)

Education: JD from Harvard (5 points)

Socioeconomic: Middle Class (15 points)

Career History: 

• State Political Staffer: Press Secretary for Virginia Governor Tim Kaine 2006-2010 (5 Points)
• Federal Political Staffer: Deputy Press Secretary for President Obama 2010-2014 (10 points)
• Federal Political Staffer: Press Secretary for President Obama 2014-2016 (10 points)
• Radio Host: Lead Host of American Pulse Podcast (10 points)

Extras:

• Published the book We F*cked Up: How Trump Is Harming America in 2018 (10 points)
• Published the book Life In The Rust Belt: How The Democrats' Blue Wall Crumbled in 2020 (10 points)

 

Points spent: 95

 

Biography

Michael Howard is a seasoned political communicator and the sharp-witted, charismatic lead host of the American Pulse Podcast. At 53 years old, he has spent a lifetime at the intersection of politics, media, and public discourse, shaping conversations that matter most to the American public. A staunch Democrat with an affinity for the pragmatic and centrist ideals of the New Democrats and Third Way, Howard's talent for rhetoric and his ability to dissect complex issues with clarity and wit have made him a leading voice in political media.

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Early Life and Education

Born into a middle-class family in Richmond, Virginia, Michael Howard was raised in a modest but politically engaged household. His father worked as a high school teacher, and his mother was a nurse. Though neither of his parents were deeply involved in politics, they instilled in Michael a passion for justice and public service.

Howard excelled academically, earning a scholarship to Harvard University, where he completed his undergraduate degree in political science. His love for debate and keen understanding of legal frameworks led him to pursue a JD from Harvard Law, where he thrived in the intense, intellectually stimulating environment. However, rather than follow a traditional legal career, Howard was drawn to the world of politics, where he believed he could shape public policy more directly.

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Political Career

After law school, Howard returned to Virginia and began working as a press secretary for then-Governor Tim Kaine from 2006 to 2010. His sharp rhetorical skills and ability to manage public perception quickly earned him a reputation as a rising star in political communications. His time in Virginia politics gave him firsthand insight into the challenges facing middle America, an experience that would later become central to his media career.

Howard’s success at the state level caught the attention of the national Democratic establishment, and in 2010, he was recruited to join President Barack Obama's communications team as Deputy Press Secretary. Over the next four years, he became a trusted voice within the White House, helping to craft the administration's message on some of the most critical issues of the time, from healthcare reform to the economic recovery.

In 2014, Howard was promoted to Press Secretary for President Obama, where he played a pivotal role in managing the White House's relationship with the media during the final years of Obama's presidency. His tenure as Press Secretary was marked by his clear and eloquent communication style, his calm demeanor during crises, and his ability to navigate the complex, fast-paced environment of national politics.

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Transition to Media

After leaving the White House at the end of Obama’s presidency in 2016, Howard transitioned into the media world, where he sought to leverage his political expertise and rhetorical talents. He became the lead host of the American Pulse Podcast, where he has continued to shape the political dialogue with a sharp, progressive perspective. Howard’s ability to dissect complex policy issues and his intimate knowledge of Washington politics have made the podcast a hit among younger listeners and politically engaged progressives.

As a host, Michael brings his trademark candor and biting analysis to every episode, but he also takes care to elevate voices from across the political spectrum. His commitment to fostering nuanced discussions has made American Pulse a popular platform for in-depth political analysis, interviews with prominent political figures, and discussions on the future of American democracy.

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Author and Political Critic

In addition to his work in podcasting, Michael Howard has made waves as an author, penning two influential books that reflect his deep concern for the state of American politics. His first book, We F*cked Up: How Trump Is Harming America (2018), became a bestseller and a must-read among progressives. In it, Howard offered a scathing critique of the Trump administration, focusing on what he saw as the unraveling of the progress made during the Obama years.

In Life in the Rust Belt: How the Democrats' Blue Wall Crumbled (2020), Howard took a more introspective turn, analyzing the failures of the Democratic Party to maintain its stronghold in key Midwestern states during the 2016 election. Drawing from interviews with former colleagues and political operatives, the book was praised for its thoughtful examination of how the party could reconnect with working-class voters who felt left behind by the coastal elites. His sharp critique of both parties earned him respect from across the political spectrum, even among those who didn’t share his political views.

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Personal Life

Michael Howard has experienced the pressures and sacrifices that often come with a life in politics. He is divorced and shares custody of his two children, both in their twenties. His relationship with his children remains close, and they are both frequent topics of personal anecdotes on his podcast, where he reflects on raising kids in a politically charged era.

Although his personal life has had its challenges, Howard remains dedicated to his role as a father. He often credits his children as his greatest inspiration for his continued activism and his drive to create a better future for the next generation.

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Rhetorical Talent and Media Savvy

One of Howard's most remarkable skills is his ability to engage an audience. As a rhetorician, he knows how to turn a phrase and deliver a point with maximum impact. Whether addressing a room full of reporters or speaking to the millions of listeners of American Pulse, Howard excels at making complex issues feel both urgent and accessible.

His success as the lead host of American Pulse and his frequent appearances on other media outlets have made him a household name in political media. Known for his eloquence, sharp wit, and deep understanding of policy, Howard has become one of the most respected voices in political commentary, with a broad influence that spans far beyond the microphone.

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Podcast Lead Host

As the host of American Pulse in 2024, Michael Howard continues to shape the political discourse of the nation. With the presidential election on the horizon and a deeply divided electorate, Howard remains at the forefront of political media, dissecting the day's most pressing issues and guiding his listeners through the turbulent waters of American democracy. Always insightful and ever committed to the truth, Michael Howard is a trusted voice in a time of great uncertainty.