Available to book
John Heilemann
Economics
Politics
Government
Gain valuable insights into political campaigns and understand the inner workings of the political landscape with John Heilemann, speaker, journalist, and national affairs analyst for NBC News and MSNBC.


Journalist
Business Leader
Author
Executive
John Heilemann is a journalist and national affairs analyst for NBC News and MSNBC. Heilemann attended Northwestern University for his undergraduate studies and Harvard University for his master's degree in public policy. He began his career as a staff writer for New York magazine, Wired, and The Economist before becoming a journalist and anchor. Heilemann gained prominence through his collaborative efforts with Mark Halperin. Together, they co-authored several books, including "Game Change," which chronicled the 2008 presidential campaign, and "Double Down," a sequel focusing on the 2012 campaign. The pair also hosted the political analysis show "With All Due Respect" on Bloomberg Television and MSNBC from 2014 to 2017. In addition to his television work, Heilemann co-produced and co-starred in Showtime's "The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show on Earth," which followed the presidential candidates during the 2016 United States Presidential Election. He also produced and appeared in episodes of the show from 2016 to 2022. Heilemann has contributed to various publications and appears as a guest on programs such as The Tony Kornheiser Show and MSNBC's Deadline: White House and Morning Joe. In 2019, he co-founded The Recount, a media outlet focused on politics, which includes a website, podcasts, and a newsletter. Heilemann is married to Diana Rhoten and resides in Manhattan.
Topics, sessions and talks
Every four years, we hear that it's "the most important election of our lifetime," but in 2024, John Heilemann insists, this cliche holds true. Amid economic and social anxiety, conflicts in the Middle East and Europe, and a bitterly polarized domestic political landscape, the campaigns for the White House and Congress will be unprecedentedly chaotic. With 30 years of experience, a no-holds-barred style, and exceptional storytelling, Heilemann offers unparalleled insights. Attendees will gain a behind-the-scenes look at the real story behind the headlines and what the future holds for American democracy.
John brings a wealth of experience from the forefront of political journalism, offering unparalleled insights into American politics and its impact on business and society. His engaging storytelling, drawn from co-authoring bestsellers and producing acclaimed television series, will captivate and enlighten your team. Booking John ensures your event will benefit from his deep understanding of national affairs, making complex political dynamics accessible and relevant to your audience.
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frequently asked questions
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Email john.heilemann@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm John's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
John Heilemann draws on 30 years of political reporting to deliver behind-the-scenes accounts of presidential campaigns, grounding his analysis in direct access to candidates and campaign staff as documented in his books Game Change and Double Down.
John Heilemann speaks on US electoral politics, the state of American democracy, and the behind-the-scenes dynamics of presidential campaigns. He is a national affairs analyst for NBC News and MSNBC, co-author of Game Change and Double Down, and co-creator of Showtime's The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show on Earth.
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