Finding the right guest speaker for your industry or organization can provide invaluable foresight. From breaking down complex ideas to sharing crucial insights with actionable next steps, our dialed-in political speakers can inform decision-making, inspire your audience, and break down the potential impact of proposed policy.
Even if you don’t see a speaker on the site, we can likely reach their team if you reach out to us!
Our HWA sales team is ready to help you book the best speaker for your event with any focus or topical expertise.
Explore opportunities including moderated panels, duos and debate, or standalone educational programs. Our experts will connect you with the best guest speakers to lead political conversations that will not only inform but entertain your attendees.
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55th Speaker of the House KEVIN MCCARTHY is described as a man exuding “true American grit” while always maintaining his approach to governance as a Happy Warrior.
McCarthy’s invaluable perspective as a Washington insider, as well as his sharp insights and analysis, make him the ideal voice on the future of the U.S.
The longest serving first Chief of Staff for any Democratic President, RON KLAIN oversaw the Biden-Harris White House staff and served as a member of the Cabinet. Mr. Klain was selected for the TIME 100 list of global leaders while serving as Chief of Staff.
President Biden called Ron Klain “a once-in-a-generation talent with fierce intellect and heart.”
Veteran journalist and bestselling author TIFFANY D. CROSS is passionate about getting people involved in democracy. Cross delivers every time in motivational, insightful, and thought-provoking events.
"Tiffany was fantastic! She is a pleasure to work with and was very flexible onsite." - Texas Conference for Women
Cybersecurity & AI expert, former U.S. House Representative, and former CIA officer WILL HURD is a leading voice for bipartisanship, inclusivity, and finding unity in the face of divisive issues.
"It was a great event! Congressman Hurd was a great opening speaker whom our members loved." - National Ocean Industries Association
The former Mayor of San Antonio and Secretary of Housing JULIÁN CASTRO has distinguished himself as a strong leader and successful public servant for nearly two decades, proving himself a Democratic star of his generation for his ability to realize big ideas.
"He knocked it out of the park! Truly wonderful and so gracious." - Association of Art Museum Directors
Former Speaker of the House JOHN BOEHNER, having held three of the highest seats in Congress, is the ultimate Washington insider sharing his perspective.
"The event was great!! We were thrilled with his willingness to talk about all subject matters. The audience was engaged the whole time... I can’t think of how it could have gone better." - Stanford University
These bipartisan conversations show how political differences can be discussed with mutual respect and a goal of working together, better. The Pew Research Center reports that among American adults, “78% say there is too little attention to important issues facing the country.” Simultaneously, Gallup reports "39% [of Americans] say they have no trust at all in the media" and instead seek out what they perceive to be as more balanced, qualified sources of information. By providing an avenue for constructive, amicable conversation, your organization can draw attention to the issues most concerning your audience while creating an uplifting, positive atmosphere.
Iconic Democratic and Republican strategists JIM MESSINA & KARL ROVE face off in a civil, enlightening and sometimes downright funny program.
Former five-term Congressman HAROLD FORD, JR. spent his time in office reaching across the aisle, building consensus, and championing compromise as a lost art in problem-solving. Now an EVP and VC at PNC, Ford brings experience as both a policy maker and business leader.
Former Congresswoman and Orlando Chief of Police VAL DEMINGS has a unique perspective on the threats against American Democracy, and the strategies for preserving and protecting democracy at home and abroad.
Seasoned political strategist, former CNN political commentator, and author SYMONE SANDERS TOWNSEND offers in-depth analysis of today’s most important issues from her unique perspective as former Press Secretary for both the Sanders and Biden presidential campaigns and her time in the Biden-Harris White House.
"Symone's speech was AWESOME! Given our political climate, I think our students really needed to hear what she had to say. She was educational, funny, timely, and inspiring." - Metropolitan State University
Republican political media analyst ANA NAVARRO deftly analyzes the current political landscape with her signature no-holds-barred candor and larger-than-life personality. She has been called a “Republican power-consultant” (Miami New Times) and “a sought-after voice in Republican politics” (Tampa Bay Times).
"The event was a great success... she was able to put into words what many feel in regards to this election. She was down to earth and really understood our audience." - Hudson Community College
Author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Dear Madam President, JENNIFER PALMIERI served as White House Communications Director for President Obama and head of Communications for the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign, bestowing her with her unparalleled level of knowledge and experience in the West Wing.
Famed conservative political media consultant MIKE MURPHY is a widely quoted pundit, longtime Senior Analyst for NBC News and MSNBC, head of the EV Politics Project, and co-host of the popular Hacks on Tap podcast. As a Leader of Republican Voters Against Trump, yet still a loyal Republican, Murphy sees the current divided nature of American politics from both sides.
From Congress and presidential campaign trail to the White House, corporate America and the philanthropic world, DAVID PLOUFFE has had a front row seat to the most challenging moments in recent times. As a cross-sectoral executive in politics, government, and technology, Plouffe achieves success through his ability to harmonize solutions responding to complicated stakeholder priorities.
CNN contributor and former Lieutenant Governor of Georgia GEOFF DUNCAN is an outspoken Republican pursuing party reform. A former professional baseball player and private sector strategist and entrepreneur, Duncan brings experience from the field, the House Chamber, and the board room. His expertise resonates with audiences of all kinds.
Nationally-recognized policy expert ROHINI KOSOGLU has served the last two decades as a senior White House official, chief of staff in the United States Senate, and a chief of staff and senior advisor for presidential campaigns. She has also served as Deputy Assistant to the President and Domestic Policy Advisor to the Vice President.
29th Chairman of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) Dr. KEVIN HASSETT is among the world’s leading economists. Hassett has deep experience advising presidents, garnering great respect for his data-driven insights powered with artificial intelligence (AI).
Award-winning community organizer, political strategist, and jazz singer LATOSHA BROWN is a trusted expert and resource in political strategy, rural development, and special programming for philanthropies. She empowers audiences to acknowledge and call out the challenges to democracy we are witnessing today.
Recognized as some of the nation’s most knowledgeable journalists, our speakers shape conversations with incisive commentary and insightful questions to leave a lasting impact on audiences. Most have appeared on major news networks, including PBS, MSNBC, ABC, and more, and accruing deep moderation and interviewing experience in their time on air.
Award-winning political analyst, New York Times bestselling author, and MSNBC national correspondent JOY-ANN REID is the renowned Host of MSNBC’s The ReidOut. Reid made history with her namesake show as the first Black woman to host a primetime cable news program. She was a 2022 NAACP Image Award winner for The ReidOut, and has received awards from the Women’s Media Center, the National Action Network, the National Association of Black Journalists, and been nominated for an Emmy, a GLAAD Media Award, and two prior NAACP Image Awards.
Reid is celebrated for her no-nonsense commentary and insights, taking audiences beyond the headlines in impactful engagements. Hosts say:
Peabody and Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist AMNA NAWAZ's diligent reporting and skillful moderation have shaped coverage of some of the most important events in recent history. Amna’s signature thoughtful and thorough analysis establish her as one of the foremost voices in journalism today.
White House Correspondent and Co-Author of Politico’s daily newsletter "Playbook," EUGENE DANIELS draws on his vast experience in the political sphere to moderate timely and topical conversations. Daniels is frequently praised as a moderator who keeps the conversation flowing and fair, as well as entertaining for audiences.
Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist and bestselling author PEGGY NOONAN has provided unique and thoughtful analysis of our nation and its leaders to millions of readers worldwide. She was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished commentary and has also served as a Special Assistant and speechwriter to President Ronald Reagan.
Columnist, New York Times bestselling author, and MSNBC Analyst CHARLES BLOW has become a familiar face on TV. Known for his fearless brand of political and social commentary, Charles Blow fearlessly tackles today’s most pressing issues with depth, nuance, and tremendous insight.
Emmy Award-winning journalist LINSEY DAVIS has had a meteoric rise while hosting ABC News Live Prime and World News Tonight Sunday, covering global stories and interviewing major influential figures, politicians, and health officials. Linsey offers unparalleled analysis, raises vital questions, and leans into tough conversations about the social and political issues of the day.
Author, Emmy-winning journalist, and Latinx advocate PAOLA RAMOS is sought after for her informative, relatable, and engaging programs. Ramos uses multi-media platforms – in both English and Spanish – to uplift the voices of marginalized communities, break down stereotypes, and mobilize people toward civic engagement.
As the host of the top political news podcast in America, TAMARA KEITH leverages her insider experience as NPR’s White House correspondent to break down the day’s headlines and the most important issues facing Americans today. Keith brings unparalleled experience reporting on presidential administrations and policies, technology trends and the future of democracy.
Investigative reporter TARA PALMERI is host of the acclaimed podcast Broken: Seeking Justice. She co-writes Playbook, a prominent political newsletter by Politico, drawing on her experience as a former White House correspondent for ABC News, where she covered the most important political stories for flagship programs like Good Morning America and World News Tonight.
The co-host of MSNBC’s Morning Joe, founder of “Know Your Value,” and New York Times bestselling author MIKA BRZEZINSKI is a celebrated, go-to voice on current events, world affairs, and women's empowerment.
As the Senior White House Correspondent for CNN during the Trump administration, PAMELA BROWN inspires audiences to advocate for themselves and stay the course when someone tries to shake them off.
Pulitzer Prize-winner and celebrated columnist BRET STEPHENS is a leading foreign policy expert and offers significant insights about issues shaping the Middle East and beyond.
Columnist, New York Times bestselling author, and MSNBC Analyst CHARLES BLOW fearlessly tackles today’s most pressing issues with depth, nuance, and tremendous insight.
Whether they’ve founded political action startups or share policy breakdowns with millions of online followers daily, these political educators leave audiences feeling empowered as voters. They tackle some of the nation's most longstanding complex issues in accessible and empowering talks for audiences of all kinds.
Sociopolitical comedian, Emmy- and Peabody-winning producer, and New York Times bestselling author W. KAMAU BELL is a revered cultural commentator, using hilarity and profound insight to illuminate today’s biggest issues – and where we can go from here.
University of California, Santa Barbara: "The university, the faculty and students - all LOVED Kamau...Many positive comments on the part focused on how to talk with people who disagree, and how to gauge 'trusted' sources. Thank you and thanks to Kamau!"
Described as the “Springsteen” of President Obama’s White House, and nicknamed “Hemingway” by Obama himself, CODY KEENAN served as White House Director of Speechwriting during moments of challenge and change, helping President Obama craft remarks on every topic for every audience.
Hilton: "Cody stole the show at our global corporate affairs gathering. He brought his warmth, richness of experience, and incredible sense of humor together to give us the guidance we needed to cultivate authentic storytelling at Hilton."
In an era when our politics have become so deeply entwined with our personal identity, and Americans with different ideologies seem unable to even tolerate one another, inspirational educator and podcaster SHARON MCMAHON offers a unique perspective on how to talk kindly and effectively with one another, and occasionally even change hearts and minds.
Pulitzer Prize-winning author ELIZA GRISWOLD a writer who reports on issues of social justice, religion, politics and the environment abroad and at home in America. A longtime columnist at The New Yorker, she has held fellowships at Harvard University, New America, and the Guggenheim Foundation.
Political analyst, Senior National Correspondent for CBS, and New York Times bestseller author JOHN DICKERSON is a veteran journalist and trusted voice to interpret current events. Dickerson is an in-demand speaker for his insights about the day-to-day operations in politics, the role of journalism in an increasingly partisan culture, and Washington’s inner workings.
Leveraging the lessons from his work with campaigns at every level, political strategist BRIAN DERRICK offers an uplifting outlook on the work ahead to protect and expand voting rights. Offering inspiring examples of local organizing, Derrick shares insights about using data, community service, and relational organizing to make an impact.