RealClearPolitics (RCP) is a go-to site for anyone interested in American politics. Founded in 2000 by John McIntyre and Tom Bevan, both Princeton grads, RCP started as a simple aggregator of political news. Today, it’s a comprehensive media company known as RealClear Media Group (RCMG). The site is famous for its polling data aggregation, especially the RealClearPolitics average, which is widely cited by major news outlets. Despite its conservative leanings, RCP is often seen as nonpartisan, offering a balanced selection of stories from across the political spectrum. With original content, detailed election coverage, and a variety of vertical sites, RCP has become an essential resource for political enthusiasts.
Key Takeaways:
- RealClearPolitics, founded in 2000, has grown into a comprehensive media company with balanced coverage and highly reliable polling data, making it a go-to source for political enthusiasts and analysts.
- Despite its conservative leanings, RealClearPolitics is recognized for its diverse features, comprehensive information, and balanced selection of stories, earning praise and recognition from various sources in the political spectrum.
The Origins of RealClearPolitics
RealClearPolitics (RCP) has become a go-to source for political news and polling data. Let's dive into its fascinating history and evolution.
- Founding: RealClearPolitics was founded in 2000 by John McIntyre and Tom Bevan, both Princeton University graduates from the class of 1991.
- Initial Purpose: The site was created to aggregate high-quality political information from various sources, providing a centralized platform for political junkies.
- Early Operations: McIntyre and Bevan started their day at 4 a.m., combing through over 50 news sources to curate the best political stories, op-eds, and news analyses.
Growth and Expansion
From a small operation to a comprehensive media company, RCP has seen significant growth.
- Growth: The site experienced significant growth during election seasons, expanding from a two-man operation to a full-time staff of over two dozen employees.
- Expansion: RealClearPolitics has expanded to include ten smaller sites, all part of the RealClear Media Group (RCMG).
Polling Data and Accuracy
RCP is renowned for its polling data, particularly its polling averages.
- Polling Data: The site is renowned for its aggregation of polling data, particularly the RealClearPolitics average, which is widely cited by major news outlets like CNN, Fox News, and The New York Times.
- Polling Average Accuracy: The RCP Poll Average is considered highly reliable and is used in Bloomberg terminals and campaign communication documents.
Reputation and Ideological Leanings
Despite its conservative leanings, RCP maintains a reputation for balanced coverage.
- Nonpartisan Reputation: Despite its conservative leanings, RealClearPolitics is often referred to as nonpartisan by sources like The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.
- Ideological Diversity: In its early years, the site aimed to provide ideological diversity, curating stories and op-eds from across the political spectrum.
- Conservative Tendencies: Over time, the site has shown a conservative inclination in its content and commentary, with founders McIntyre and Bevan openly discussing their conservative viewpoints.
Original Content and Election Coverage
RCP offers original content and extensive election coverage.
- Original Content: RealClearPolitics features original content from its contributors, including commentary and analysis on current events and political issues.
- Election Season Traffic: The site receives its most traffic during election seasons, making it a crucial resource for political enthusiasts and analysts.
Staff and Contributors
The site employs experienced reporters and analysts.
- Staff and Contributors: The site employs seasoned reporters and editors, including Senior Elections Analyst Sean Trende, who is a co-author of the Almanac of American Politics.
Vertical Sites and Original Reporting
RCP has expanded its coverage through various vertical sites and original reporting.
- Vertical Sites: RealClearMedia Group includes several vertical sites such as RealClearMarkets, RealClearScience, RealClearDefense, and RealClearInvestigations.
- Original Reporting: RCMG conducts original reporting across various fields, providing comprehensive coverage of news and issues.
Multimedia and Opinion Research
RCP also produces video content and conducts its own surveys.
- Video Content: The group also produces original video content, enhancing its multimedia offerings.
- RealClear Opinion Research: In 2018, RCMG launched RealClear Opinion Research, which conducts its own surveys to provide in-depth insights into public opinion.
- Democratic Pollster Involvement: John Della Volpe, a highly respected Democratic pollster, led the effort for RealClear Opinion Research, focusing on an in-depth look at the electorate.
Coverage During the Trump Era
RCP maintained its objective stance during the Trump presidency.
- Trump Era Coverage: During the Trump presidency, RealClearPolitics maintained its objective stance, covering the president as it would any other politician, unlike some media outlets that shifted towards a more subjective approach.
Key Figures and Swing State Coverage
RCP's key figures and detailed coverage of swing states are noteworthy.
- Carl M. Cannon: Carl M. Cannon, the Washington bureau chief for RealClearPolitics and executive editor of RealClearMedia Group, has been a key figure in the site's coverage and editorial direction.
- FOX News Swing States: RealClearPolitics provides detailed coverage of swing states, including Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota, which are crucial in presidential elections.
National Polls and Election 2024 Coverage
RCP features national polls and is actively covering the 2024 election.
- Wall Street Journal National Polls: The site often features national polls from reputable sources like The Wall Street Journal, providing a comprehensive view of public opinion.
- Election 2024 Coverage: RealClearPolitics is actively covering the 2024 election, offering in-depth analysis and polling data to help readers understand the political landscape.
Podcasts and Newsletters
RCP offers additional platforms for its content through podcasts and newsletters.
- The REALCLEARPOLITICS PODCAST: The site hosts a podcast that discusses current events, political issues, and election analysis, providing an additional platform for its content.
- CARL CANNON'S AM NOTE: Carl Cannon's AM Note is a daily newsletter that summarizes key political developments and insights from around the country.
Balanced Selection and Reliability
RCP is recognized for its balanced selection of stories and reliable polling averages.
- Balanced Selection of Stories: RealClearPolitics is recognized for its balanced selection of stories, which includes a wide range of political perspectives and analyses.
- Highly Reliable Polling Average: The RCP Poll Average is praised by top editors for its reliability and accuracy, making it a go-to source for political polling information.
Major News Outlet Citations
RCP's polling figures are widely cited by major news outlets.
- Major News Outlet Citations: The site's polling figures are widely cited by major news outlets, including CNN, Fox News, The New York Times, Financial Times, FOX News, CNN, USA Today, and MSNBC.
Comprehensive Media Company
RCP has grown into a comprehensive media company with diverse coverage.
- Comprehensive Media Company: RealClearMedia Group has grown into a comprehensive media company, encompassing 14 specialty areas of coverage and original reporting from seasoned reporters.
Public Interest and Library of Congress
RCP is classified as a public interest organization and is part of the Library of Congress Web Archive.
- Public Interest/Advocacy Organization: RealClearPolitics is classified as a public interest or advocacy organization by the Library of Congress, which preserves its web expressions in the September 11 Web Archive.
- Library of Congress Web Archive: The site is part of the Library of Congress's September 11 Web Archive, which preserves web expressions in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.
Copyright and Educational Use
RCP's materials are copyrighted, but available for educational and research purposes.
- Copyright and Restrictions: Many materials on the site are copyrighted, and users must secure permissions for distribution, reproduction, or other use beyond fair use.
- Educational and Research Purposes: The Library of Congress makes its Web Archives Collection available for educational and research purposes, with specific information about rights and permissions available in each item record.
Citation Guidelines
Researchers are advised to follow standard citation guidelines for RCP content.
- Citation Guidelines: Researchers are advised to follow standard citation guidelines for websites, pages, and articles, crediting authors/creators and publishers of the works.
- Chicago Citation Style: The site can be cited in Chicago citation style as: RealClearPolitics. United States, 2000. Web Archive. https://www.loc.gov/item/lcwaN0019719/.
- APA Citation Style: In APA citation style, it would be: (2000) RealClearPolitics. United States. [Web Archive] Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/lcwaN0019719/.
- MLA Citation Style: In MLA citation style, it would be: RealClearPolitics. United States, 2000. Web Archive. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <www.loc.gov/item/lcwaN0019719/>.
Special Series and Media Mentions
RCP has participated in special series and received mentions from major media outlets.
- Special Series: The 1735 Project: RealClearPolitics has participated in special series like The 1735 Project, which explores historical and contemporary issues in American politics.
- Email from The New York Times Reporter: In 2020, Tom Bevan received an email from a New York Times reporter who covered the election, highlighting the site's continued relevance in political discourse.
Recognition and Praise
RCP has received recognition and praise from various sources.
- Princeton Alumni Weekly Article: A 2001 article in the Princeton Alumni Weekly highlighted the political leanings of McIntyre and Bevan, reflecting their conservative viewpoints.
- Time Magazine Article: A 2004 Time magazine article described the site's commentary section as "right-leaning," further solidifying its conservative inclinations.
- Conservative Media Spectrum: By 2009, RealClearPolitics was considered part of the conservative media spectrum, providing a range of opinion pieces while maintaining a perceived nonpartisan stance.
- Academic Texts: Academic texts have described RealClearPolitics as run by conservatives while providing a range of opinion pieces, reflecting its complex political orientation.
- Jim VandeHei’s Praise: Jim VandeHei, executive editor of Politico, called RealClearPolitics an essential resource for political enthusiasts, highlighting its utility in political discourse.
- Chicago Sun-Times Acknowledgment: The Chicago Sun-Times in 2012 acknowledged the site's balanced selection of stories, further solidifying its reputation as a reliable source of political information.
- BuzzFeed’s Top Editor Praise: BuzzFeed’s top editor praised the site’s polling average as highly reliable, underscoring its accuracy and trustworthiness.
- Major Campaigns’ Recognition: Both major presidential campaigns in 2004 recognized the RCP polling average as the best metric of the race, highlighting its significance in political campaigns.
- Nate Silver’s Mention: In 2008, Nate Silver mentioned the site's polling average, emphasizing its importance in understanding public opinion during elections.
Diverse Features and Comprehensive Information
RCP offers diverse features and comprehensive information across various fields.
- RealClearMedia Group’s Features: RealClearMedia Group includes various features such as Markets, Investigations, Books & Culture, Life, and Sports, catering to diverse interests and needs.
- Comprehensive Information and Storytelling: RealClearMedia Group provides comprehensive information and storytelling, keeping readers one step ahead of the curve through curation, original reporting, multimedia, and events.
RealClearPolitics: A Trusted Political Resource
RealClearPolitics has grown into a go-to source for political news and polling data since its founding in 2000. With its RCP Poll Average widely cited by major news outlets, the site offers a reliable snapshot of public opinion. Despite its conservative leanings, RealClearPolitics maintains a reputation for balanced coverage, featuring a range of perspectives. The site’s expansion into the RealClear Media Group has broadened its reach, covering topics from markets to defense. Original content, video production, and in-depth surveys add to its comprehensive offerings. Founders John McIntyre and Tom Bevan have built a platform that political enthusiasts and analysts trust, especially during election seasons. Whether you’re looking for the latest polling data or diverse political commentary, RealClearPolitics remains a vital resource in the political landscape.
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