Who is David Weigel and what is his current professional role?

David Weigel is an American journalist and columnist who currently works at the news website Semafor. He is known for his political reporting and commentary.

When and where was David Weigel born?

David Weigel was born on September 26, 1981, in Wilmington, Delaware, U.S. This makes him an American citizen by birth.

What is David Weigel's educational background?

David Weigel graduated from the American Community School in Cobham, Surrey, England, in 2000. He then earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 2004 from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, where he double-majored in journalism and political science and minored in history. This diverse academic background provided him with a strong foundation for his career in political journalism.

What were David Weigel's journalistic activities during his time at Northwestern University?

While attending Northwestern University, David Weigel wrote for The Daily Northwestern and served as the editor-in-chief of the campus's conservative newspaper, Northwestern Chronicle. These roles provided him with early experience in student journalism.

Did David Weigel have any internships during his early career or college years?

Yes, in the summer of 2001, David Weigel completed an internship at the libertarian Center for Individual Rights, which he described as 'fun.' Internships are common for students seeking to gain practical experience in their chosen field.

What was David Weigel's voting record in the 2000 U.S. presidential election?

In the 2000 U.S. presidential election, David Weigel voted for Ralph Nader and served as a Delaware college elector for Nader. Ralph Nader was a prominent third-party candidate known for his consumer advocacy.

How did David Weigel's political views evolve during his college years, according to Dan Murtaugh?

According to Dan Murtaugh, a writer for The Daily Northwestern and later a Bloomberg News reporter, David Weigel underwent a '180-degree political turn' in two years. He shifted from being a Ralph Nader-voting 'uber-liberal' to becoming the 'scorn of the leftist movement at Northwestern' after he started working for The Chronicle. This suggests a significant ideological shift during his university period.

What was David Weigel's stance on the Iraq War in 2003?

In February 2003, while serving as editor-in-chief of Northwestern Chronicle, David Weigel supported the Iraq War and even crashed an anti-war protest at Northwestern University. This indicates a pro-war position at the time of the invasion.

For whom did David Weigel vote in the 2004 U.S. presidential election and the Illinois Republican U.S. Senate primary?

In the 2004 U.S. presidential election, David Weigel voted for John Kerry. He also voted for Jack Ryan in the 2004 Republican U.S. Senate primary in Illinois. This shows a split in his voting choices between parties at different levels of government.

Why did David Weigel register as a Republican in the District of Columbia in 2007?

David Weigel registered as a Republican in the District of Columbia in early 2007 specifically to vote for Ron Paul in the Republican primary stage of the 2008 presidential election. This was a strategic move to participate in a specific primary election.

Who did David Weigel vote for in the 2008 U.S. presidential general election and what was his reasoning?

In November 2008, David Weigel voted for Barack Obama. He explained that he did not believe John McCain had the temperament to be President or the interest in standing up to a Democratic Congress, and that he had the luxury of a 'guilt-free, zero-impact vote' in D.C., which he would have cast for Bob Barr if he had been on the ballot. This demonstrates a pragmatic approach to his vote in a non-swing district.

Which Republican candidate did David Weigel support in the 2012 Republican Party presidential primaries?

In the 2012 Republican Party presidential primaries, David Weigel voted for Jon Huntsman, even though Huntsman had already withdrawn from the race. Weigel's reasoning was that he believed Huntsman had some good ideas despite a weak tax plan. This highlights a preference for certain policy positions over a candidate's viability.

Who received David Weigel's vote in the 2012 U.S. presidential general election?

In the 2012 U.S. presidential general election, David Weigel voted for Gary Johnson. Gary Johnson was the Libertarian Party candidate, reflecting Weigel's self-described 'idiosyncratic libertarian' leanings.

What were David Weigel's initial professional roles after college?

David Weigel began his professional career as an editorial assistant and researcher for the USA Today editorial page and as a reporter for Campaigns & Elections. These roles provided him with foundational experience in journalism and political reporting.

Name some of the publications David Weigel has contributed articles to throughout his career.

David Weigel has contributed articles to a wide range of publications, including Slate, The Daily Beast, Time, The Guardian, The American Prospect, The American Spectator, The Washington Monthly, The American Conservative, Politico, and The Nation. This extensive list demonstrates his broad reach and versatility as a writer.

On which prominent media programs has David Weigel appeared?

David Weigel has appeared on NPR's Fresh Air and MSNBC's The Rachel Maddow Show. These appearances indicate his role as a recognized commentator on political affairs.

What was David Weigel's role at Reason magazine?

David Weigel is a contributing editor of the libertarian Reason magazine and was one of its staff political writers from 2006 to 2008. Reason magazine is known for promoting libertarian viewpoints and analysis.

What book did David Weigel publish, and what was its subject?

David Weigel published a book titled The Show That Never Ends: The Rise and Fall of Prog Rock in June 2017. This book explores the history and cultural impact of progressive rock music, showcasing a different area of his interests.

What was David Weigel's role at The Washington Independent?

David Weigel wrote for the liberal The Washington Independent from November 2008 until early 2010. He was recognized as one of the 'best sourced' reporters there, indicating his ability to cultivate strong contacts for his reporting.

What was David Weigel's initial role at The Washington Post?

After leaving The Washington Independent, David Weigel joined The Washington Post to write the 'Right Now' column on their website, with a specific focus on covering the conservative movement. This role aimed to provide insights into conservative politics.

What was the stated purpose of David Weigel's column at The Washington Post, according to him and the national editor?

Weigel stated his job was to give readers a deeper understanding of conservatives, their strategy, and ideas. The national editor confirmed he was hired to add a voice to the paper's online politics coverage, which Howard Kurtz noted was meant to mix reporting and opinion. This approach aimed to offer both factual reporting and informed commentary.

For what specific tweets was David Weigel criticized by conservatives in May 2010?

In May 2010, David Weigel was criticized by conservatives for tweets that disparaged news editor Matt Drudge and called opponents of same-sex marriage 'bigots.' These comments drew significant backlash from conservative groups.

How did The Washington Post's guidelines relate to the criticism David Weigel received for his tweets?

The Washington Post's guidelines require its journalists to avoid writing, tweeting, or posting anything that could be perceived as reflecting political, racial, sexist, religious, or other bias or favoritism that might tarnish their journalistic credibility. Weigel's tweets were seen by some as violating these standards.

What was JournoList, and who started it?

JournoList was an invitation-only discussion and debate forum for left-of-center bloggers and reporters, which was started in 2007 by Ezra Klein. It served as a private platform for journalists to discuss political topics.

What kind of content was found in David Weigel's leaked emails from JournoList?

Excerpts of David Weigel's private emails from JournoList contained negative remarks about various public figures associated with American conservatism, including Pat Buchanan, Matt Drudge, Newt Gingrich, and Rush Limbaugh. These remarks were considered inappropriate for a journalist covering the conservative movement.

What was David Weigel's explanation for the content of his leaked emails?

David Weigel stated that all the controversial emails were sent before he joined The Washington Post, and he believed the off-the-record listserv environment was a place where he could 'talk bluntly to friends.' He later apologized for his comments. An off-the-record discussion is typically understood to be private and not for public dissemination.

What were the consequences for David Weigel and JournoList after the emails were leaked?

As a result of the leaked emails, David Weigel resigned from The Washington Post, and Ezra Klein subsequently shut down JournoList. The leaks led to significant professional repercussions for Weigel and the dissolution of the private forum.

What reason did The Washington Post's executive editor give for Weigel's resignation?

The executive editor of The Washington Post stated that the paper 'can't have any tolerance for the perception that people are conflicted or bring a bias to their work,' indicating the damage from the leaked emails was too severe. This emphasizes the importance of journalistic impartiality.

How did Ezra Klein characterize David Weigel's political leanings when discussing the JournoList incident?

Ezra Klein described David Weigel as an 'idiosyncratic libertarian' whose 'likes and dislikes do not fall neatly across party lines,' suggesting his views were not easily categorized as strictly liberal or conservative. Klein also noted that leaked information can be cherry-picked and misleading.

What was Politico's assessment of David Weigel's career prospects immediately after his resignation from The Washington Post?

Politico noted that Weigel's resignation did not damage his career; instead, the enthusiastic endorsements of his reporting skills brought him to the attention of a wider audience, and he was expected to join another major online outlet soon. This suggests that despite the controversy, his journalistic talent was still highly regarded.

What role did David Weigel take at MSNBC after leaving The Washington Post?

On June 28, 2010, Keith Olbermann announced that David Weigel was joining MSNBC as a news contributor. This marked his transition to a television news role.

What was David Weigel's role at Slate magazine, and what kind of content did he produce there?

In August 2010, David Weigel joined Slate magazine as a political reporter. He ran a blog primarily covering the conservative movement and also wrote long-form pieces, including a multi-part series on progressive rock. Slate is an online magazine known for its political and cultural commentary.

Why did David Weigel leave Slate magazine in September 2014?

David Weigel left Slate in September 2014 to prepare for a new job at Bloomberg Politics. This move represented another step in his evolving career path within political journalism.

When did David Weigel return to The Washington Post, and what was his primary focus?

David Weigel returned to The Washington Post on July 20, 2015, after only nine months at Bloomberg Politics. His beat was to cover grassroots movements as part of the Post's presidential election coverage. This role involved reporting on political activity at the local and community levels.

What newsletter did David Weigel author starting in 2018?

Starting in 2018, David Weigel authored The Trailer newsletter, which focused on electoral campaigns. Newsletters are a common way for journalists to deliver focused content directly to subscribers.

Describe the incident involving David Weigel's tweet about a Donald Trump rally in December 2017.

On December 8, 2017, David Weigel tweeted a photo of President Donald Trump's rally crowd in Pensacola, Florida, that showed many empty seats. He quickly deleted the tweet after it was pointed out that the photo was taken before the venue filled up, and he apologized, explaining he was confused by the image. President Trump publicly demanded his firing. This incident highlighted the rapid spread of information and misinformation on social media.

What led to David Weigel's suspension from The Washington Post in June 2022?

In June 2022, David Weigel was suspended without salary for a month by The Washington Post after he retweeted an allegedly sexist joke that characterized all women as either bisexual or bipolar. This action was deemed inappropriate for a journalist and led to disciplinary action.

Who publicly criticized David Weigel for his retweeted joke in June 2022?

David Weigel was publicly criticized by his colleague Felicia Sonmez for the retweeted joke. This internal criticism became part of a larger public discussion about workplace conduct and social media use in journalism.

Where did David Weigel go after leaving The Washington Post in September 2022?

In September 2022, David Weigel left The Washington Post and was hired by the news startup Semafor, which launched the following month. This marked another significant career move for him.

What newsletter does David Weigel write for Semafor?

At Semafor, David Weigel writes the Americana newsletter, which focuses on national politics. This continues his work in political reporting and analysis through a newsletter format.

What was 'Casa de Libertarios,' and who lived there?

'Casa de Libertarios' was the name given to a house that David Weigel shared with fellow Reason.com writer Julian Sanchez in 2006. The name, meaning 'House of Libertarians,' reflects their shared political ideology.

Where does David Weigel currently reside?

David Weigel currently lives in Los Angeles. This indicates a shift in his personal residence from the Washington D.C. area, where he spent much of his career.

What is depicted in the 2011 image of David Weigel in the infobox?

The infobox includes an image of David Weigel taken in 2011. This visual provides a historical snapshot of him during an earlier period of his career.

What is the subject of the image caption provided in the source material regarding David Weigel and Cory Booker?

The source material includes an image caption depicting David Weigel playing video games with Senator Cory Booker as part of an interview at The Washington Post in 2018. This illustrates an informal aspect of his journalistic work, engaging with political figures in a non-traditional setting.

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Who is David Weigel?

A Profile in Political Journalism

David Weigel, born September 26, 1981, is an American journalist and columnist renowned for his insightful political commentary and reporting. His career spans several prominent media organizations, establishing him as a significant voice in contemporary American political discourse.^[1]

Current Affiliation

Presently, Weigel serves as a columnist at the news website Semafor, where he continues to analyze and report on national politics. His work is characterized by a deep engagement with political movements and electoral campaigns.^[1]

Diverse Editorial Footprint

Prior to his role at Semafor, Weigel contributed to a diverse array of esteemed publications, including The Washington Post, Slate, and Bloomberg Politics. He also holds a contributing editor position at Reason magazine, reflecting his long-standing engagement with libertarian thought.^[2]^[3]

Early Origins

Formative Years

Weigel's early life began in Wilmington, Delaware, where he was born and raised. His secondary education took him abroad, graduating from the American Community School in Cobham, Surrey, England, in 2000, a region he described as the "high Tory London suburbs."^[4]^[5]

Academic Pursuits

In 2000, he matriculated at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 2004. His academic focus was comprehensive, with a double major in journalism and political science, complemented by a minor in history.^[6]^[7]

Collegiate Journalism

During his time at Northwestern, Weigel actively engaged in campus journalism. He contributed to The Daily Northwestern and notably served as the editor-in-chief for the university's conservative publication, Northwestern Chronicle.^[5]^[8] Additionally, he completed an internship at the libertarian Center for Individual Rights in the summer of 2001.^[9]^[10]

Political Views

An Evolving Political Stance

David Weigel's political affiliations have demonstrated a notable evolution throughout his career, often characterized by a non-traditional alignment with party lines. This "idiosyncratic libertarian" perspective has informed his journalistic approach.^[39]

2000 U.S. Presidential Election: Weigel cast his vote for Ralph Nader and served as a Delaware college elector for Nader.^[11]
Early 2000s Shift: A fellow journalist noted his "180-degree political turn" from an "uber-liberal" to a conservative figure at Northwestern University, where he supported the Iraq War in 2003.^[8]^[9]^[14]
2004 Elections: He voted for John Kerry in the presidential election, a decision he later stated he did not regret. In the Illinois Republican U.S. Senate primary, he voted for Jack Ryan.^[11]^[15]
2008 Presidential Election: To vote for Ron Paul in the Republican primary, Weigel registered as a Republican in the District of Columbia in early 2007. In the general election, he voted for Barack Obama, citing concerns about John McCain's temperament.^[16]^[17]^[18]^[19]^[11]
2011 D.C. Council Elections: He voted for Republican Patrick Mara, stating he had done so "every time he's been on the ballot."^[20]
2012 Presidential Election: In the Republican primary, he voted for Jon Huntsman Jr., despite Huntsman's withdrawal, appreciating some of his policy ideas. In the general election, he voted for Gary Johnson.^[21]^[22]

Career Trajectory

Early Professional Engagements

Weigel commenced his professional career as an editorial assistant and researcher for the USA Today editorial page, concurrently serving as a reporter for Campaigns & Elections. These foundational roles provided him with early exposure to the intricacies of political journalism and media operations.

Extensive Contributions and Appearances

His journalistic output has been prolific, with articles appearing in a wide array of publications spanning the political spectrum. He has also been a guest on prominent broadcast programs, extending his reach beyond print media.

Print & Online Publications: Slate, The Daily Beast, Time, The Guardian, The American Prospect, The American Spectator, The Washington Monthly, The American Conservative, Politico, and The Nation.
Broadcast Media: NPR's Fresh Air and MSNBC's The Rachel Maddow Show.^[23]
Blogging: He contributed to The Economist's "Democracy in America" blog and guest-blogged for Andrew Sullivan's "Daily Dish" blog at The Atlantic.^[24]^[25]

Authorial Endeavors

Beyond his journalistic articles, Weigel is also an author. His book, The Show That Never Ends: The Rise and Fall of Prog Rock, was published in June 2017, showcasing a diverse interest beyond political commentary.^[26] He also served as a staff political writer for Reason magazine from 2006 to 2008.^[6]

The Washington Post

Initial Tenure and "Right Now" Column

Following his work at The Washington Independent from November 2008 to early 2010, David Weigel joined The Washington Post to write the "Right Now" column on their website. This role primarily focused on covering the conservative movement in American politics.^[27] Weigel articulated his objective as providing readers with a deeper understanding of conservative figures, their strategies, and their ideologies.^[27]

Early Twitter Controversy

In May 2010, Weigel faced criticism from conservative circles for tweets that disparaged news editor Matt Drudge and labeled opponents of same-sex marriage as "bigots." These remarks drew attention to The Washington Post's guidelines, which mandate journalists to avoid expressing biases that could compromise journalistic credibility.^[29]^[30] Weigel issued an apology on May 3, 2010.^[31]

JournoList Controversy

The Leaked Emails

In June 2010, excerpts from several of Weigel's private emails, originating from the "JournoList" forum, were disseminated online. JournoList, initiated by Ezra Klein in 2007, was an invitation-only discussion platform for left-of-center journalists and bloggers.^[32] The leaked communications contained critical remarks about prominent conservative figures, including Pat Buchanan, Matt Drudge, Newt Gingrich, and Rush Limbaugh.^[34]

Apology and Resignation

Weigel asserted that all the contentious emails predated his employment at The Washington Post. He publicly apologized, explaining that he perceived the listserv as an "off-the-record" environment for candid discussions among colleagues.^[36] However, The Washington Post deemed the "damage too severe," leading to Weigel's resignation. Concurrently, Ezra Klein decided to shut down JournoList, acknowledging its transformation into a "weapon" that jeopardized careers.^[32]^[35]

Reflections on Journalistic Integrity

The incident sparked broader discussions on journalistic ethics and the perception of bias. The Washington Post's executive editor emphasized the paper's intolerance for any "perception that people are conflicted or bring a bias to their work."^[35] Weigel himself reflected on the experience, stating, "I can't imagine ever again writing about someone without manning up to get him or her to comment, or provide more context. I realized that no one could take the same scrutiny and walk away looking saintly."^[38] Ezra Klein defended Weigel, describing him as an "idiosyncratic libertarian" whose views did not neatly align with party lines, and highlighted how selective leaks could distort truth.^[39]

Post-Post Transition

Broadcast and Recognition

Following his departure from The Washington Post, Weigel quickly transitioned into new roles. He began appearing on MSNBC in 2009, and by June 28, 2010, he was announced as a news contributor for the network.^[40] Politico recognized his continued influence, listing him among "50 politicos to watch" and noting that the controversy had, if anything, broadened his audience.^[41]^[42]

Tenure at Slate and Bloomberg

In August 2010, Weigel joined Slate magazine, a publication he admired for its innovative journalism. There, he maintained a blog covering politics, with a particular emphasis on the conservative movement, and authored long-form pieces, including a notable multi-part series on progressive rock.^[43] He remained at Slate until September 2014, when he moved to Bloomberg Politics for a new venture.^[44]

Current Engagements

Return to The Washington Post

After a nine-month tenure at Bloomberg Politics, David Weigel returned to The Washington Post on July 20, 2015. His primary focus was to cover grassroots movements as part of the paper's presidential election coverage. In 2018, he launched and authored The Trailer, a newsletter dedicated to electoral campaigns.^[45]^[46]

Subsequent Controversies and Suspension

Weigel's second stint at The Washington Post was not without incident. In December 2017, he tweeted a misleading photo of a Donald Trump rally crowd, showing empty seats before the venue filled. He promptly deleted the tweet and apologized, but the incident drew public criticism from President Trump.^[47] In June 2022, he was suspended without salary for a month after retweeting an "allegedly sexist joke," an action that also led to public criticism from a colleague, Felicia Sonmez.^[48]^[49]^[50]^[51]^[52]

Role at Semafor

In September 2022, Weigel departed The Washington Post to join the news startup Semafor, which officially launched the following month. At Semafor, he is responsible for writing the Americana newsletter, continuing his focus on national politics and electoral dynamics.^[53]^[54]

Personal Life

"Casa de Libertarios"

In 2006, David Weigel was featured in The New York Times for his living arrangement with fellow Reason.com writer Julian Sanchez. They shared a house which they affectionately named "Casa de Libertarios," reflecting their shared political leanings and intellectual camaraderie.^[55]

Current Residence

Weigel currently resides in Los Angeles, California, continuing his work as a journalist and political commentator from the West Coast.^[56]

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References

"Who's Getting Your Vote?". Reason.

A full list of references for this article are available at the David Weigel Wikipedia page

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This is not professional journalistic or political analysis. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for in-depth journalistic research, professional political science analysis, or media ethics consultation. Always refer to primary sources, reputable news organizations, and academic publications for comprehensive understanding and critical evaluation of journalistic careers and political commentary. Never disregard professional insights because of something you have read on this website.

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The Evolving Lens

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Who is David Weigel? 📰

👤 A Profile in Political Journalism

🏙️ Current Affiliation

🏢 Diverse Editorial Footprint

Early Origins 🎓

🌍 Formative Years

📚 Academic Pursuits

📝 Collegiate Journalism

Political Views 🗳

💬 An Evolving Political Stance

Career Trajectory 🚀

💼 Early Professional Engagements

📖 Extensive Contributions and Appearances

📗 Authorial Endeavors

The Washington Post 🗽

📃 Initial Tenure and "Right Now" Column

📣 Early Twitter Controversy

JournoList Controversy ⚠️

📧 The Leaked Emails

😭 Apology and Resignation

🧑‍💻 Reflections on Journalistic Integrity

Post-Post Transition 🔄

📺 Broadcast and Recognition

📑 Tenure at Slate and Bloomberg

Current Engagements 🌏

🖼️ Return to The Washington Post

💥 Subsequent Controversies and Suspension

📄 Role at Semafor

Personal Life 🏡

🏘️ "Casa de Libertarios"

🌇 Current Residence

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References

📜 References

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Who is David Weigel?

A Profile in Political Journalism

Current Affiliation

Diverse Editorial Footprint

Early Origins

Formative Years

Academic Pursuits

Collegiate Journalism

Political Views

An Evolving Political Stance

Career Trajectory

Early Professional Engagements

Extensive Contributions and Appearances

Authorial Endeavors

The Washington Post

Initial Tenure and "Right Now" Column

Early Twitter Controversy

JournoList Controversy

The Leaked Emails

Apology and Resignation

Reflections on Journalistic Integrity

Post-Post Transition

Broadcast and Recognition

Tenure at Slate and Bloomberg

Current Engagements

Return to The Washington Post

Subsequent Controversies and Suspension

Role at Semafor

Personal Life

"Casa de Libertarios"

Current Residence

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice