Matt Mackowiak

Matt Mackowiak is an Austin and Washington, DC-based political and communications consultant and President of Potomac Strategy Group. He has served in senior roles for two U.S. Senators and a Governor, in the Bush administration. Matt appears regularly on MSNBC, Fox News, CNN, CNBC, CBC-TV, and the BBC. From 2007-2009 Matt served as Press Secretary to U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), the fourth highest ranking member of the Republican Leadership, and from 2005-2007 he served in the same role for three-term former U.S. Senator Conrad Burns (R-MT).

Latest Podcast Episodes of Matt Mackowiak's Mack On Politics

Articles by Matt Mackowiak

Democrats have some explaining to do as shutdown drags on

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer lost the shutdown battle of 2017 because the New York Democrat made unreasonable demands that caused the shutdown. He quickly folded. What is different this time is that Mr. Trump cannot give in on his signature campaign promise and Democrats cannot give in to Mr. Trump. Neither side's base can accept a loss.

January 16, 2019

Why Trump is winning the battle of the wall

As the partial federal government shutdown nears its fourth week, this protracted battle is entering a new phase. With each passing day, the stakes get higher and the consequences of the shutdown grow.

January 9, 2019

Democrats would rather oppose Trump than secure the border

Democratic opposition to a border wall in urban areas is entirely political. They want to be seen as opposing Mr. Trump, rather than working in good faith to secure the southern border. It's a shame that a critical national security priority would be secondary to preening before the Democratic base.

December 26, 2018

For the courts, Trump proves a good judge of character

Before he was elected president, Donald Trump had never appointed a judge. Therefore, his instincts on judicial nominations were open to some question by those on the right.

December 19, 2018

Chief concern: Trump faces big chore in picking top aide

The Trump presidency is entering a perilous new phase with the swearing in of a new, Democratic-controlled House and the uncertainty surrounding investigations by special counsel Robert Mueller and New York prosecutors.

December 12, 2018

A lifetime of lessons in George H.W. Bush’s remarkable life

The passing of George H.W. Bush has provided the country with a rare moment of pause during these few days of national mourning to consider his extraordinary life of service.

December 5, 2018

White House needs an attitude adjustment after midterms

Instead of congressional Democrats existing as a minor irritant, they will now have real power. With their takeover of the House, Democrats will be able to control the flow of legislation on the floor, run the oversight committees, and launch relentless investigations of the administration -- armed with subpoena power. This will be miserable for President Trump, for his West Wing staff, for his Cabinet, and for his family.

November 28, 2018

Congress must not extend the electric car gravy train

Beware of the lame-duck Congress.

November 21, 2018

High drug prices a target of opportunity for divided Congress

In January, Democrats will hold the majority in the House, dealing a crushing blow to much of the legislative agenda advanced by President Trump and Republicans on Capitol Hill.

November 14, 2018

Republicans must reassess after mixed midterm election results

The blue wave never came ashore.

November 7, 2018

Democrats, Republicans struggle to control the narrative as voters head to polls

In the closing days of this midterm election, it has become clear what both sides want this election to be about.

October 31, 2018

Democratic silence on migrant caravan is deafening

Can anyone cite the Democratic Party view on the caravan? Should these thousands of Honduran migrants be allowed to cross illegally? Should their asylum claims be approved en masse? Is simply wanting a better life enough of a reason to allow someone to become an American?

October 24, 2018