Image Credit: WireImage Matthew Dowd has spent decades shaping American politics and analyzing it on television, but in September 2025, the veteran strategist made headlines for a different reason. The longtime consultant and MSNBC contributor was fired after his controversial remarks about Charlie Kirk's death sparked swift backlash. Learn more about him below. He's a Veteran Political Strategist Dowd has worked in politics for decades, most famously serving as the chief strategist for George W. Bush's 2004 reelection campaign.