
RealClearPolitics (RCP) is a prominent political news and polling data aggregator founded in 2000 by John McIntyre and Tom Bevan. Based in Chicago, Illinois, RCP is known for its non-partisan approach to compiling and presenting political news, opinion pieces, and election polling data from a wide range of sources. The platform is owned by Forbes Media LLC, which acquired it in 2020, ensuring its continued influence in the political media landscape. RCP’s mission is to provide readers with a comprehensive and balanced view of political discourse, making it a go-to resource for journalists, analysts, and politically engaged individuals.
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What You'll Learn
- Ownership History: RealClearPolitics was founded by John McIntyre and Tom Bevan in 2000
- Current Publisher: Forbes Media LLC acquired RealClearPolitics in 2020
- Key Figures: Co-founders McIntyre and Bevan remain involved in editorial leadership
- Parent Company: Forbes Media oversees operations, maintaining its political news focus
- Editorial Independence: RealClearPolitics retains autonomy despite Forbes ownership

Ownership History: RealClearPolitics was founded by John McIntyre and Tom Bevan in 2000
RealClearPolitics, a prominent political news and polling data aggregator, traces its origins to the vision of its co-founders, John McIntyre and Tom Bevan. In 2000, these two entrepreneurs established the platform with the goal of providing a centralized resource for political news, commentary, and polling information. Their aim was to create a non-partisan space where readers could access a wide range of political perspectives and data, fostering informed civic engagement. From its inception, RealClearPolitics positioned itself as a valuable tool for political enthusiasts, journalists, and policymakers alike.
The ownership history of RealClearPolitics has remained relatively stable since its founding. John McIntyre and Tom Bevan have continued to play pivotal roles in the organization's leadership and strategic direction. Their hands-on approach and commitment to the platform's mission have been key factors in its sustained success and credibility. Unlike many digital media outlets that have undergone frequent changes in ownership or corporate restructuring, RealClearPolitics has maintained its independence and focus under the guidance of its original founders.
In the early years, McIntyre and Bevan bootstrapped the operation, relying on their own resources and a small team to curate content and build the website. Their dedication to quality and accuracy quickly earned RealClearPolitics a reputation as a trusted source for political information. Over time, the platform expanded its offerings to include original commentary, in-depth analysis, and a comprehensive polling averages section, further solidifying its position in the political media landscape. The founders' ability to adapt to the evolving digital media environment while staying true to their core mission has been a hallmark of their leadership.
As RealClearPolitics grew, it attracted partnerships and collaborations with other media organizations, but these arrangements did not alter its ownership structure. McIntyre and Bevan retained full control, ensuring that the platform's editorial integrity and non-partisan stance remained intact. This commitment to independence has been a distinguishing feature of RealClearPolitics, setting it apart from many other political news outlets that operate under larger corporate umbrellas. The founders' unwavering dedication to their original vision has allowed RealClearPolitics to thrive as a unique and influential voice in political journalism.
Throughout its history, RealClearPolitics has also expanded its brand with the launch of related platforms such as RealClearMarkets, RealClearScience, and others, all under the RealClear umbrella. These ventures, like the original RealClearPolitics, are guided by the principles established by McIntyre and Bevan in 2000. Their continued involvement in the oversight and development of these platforms ensures that the RealClear brand remains synonymous with reliability, diversity of thought, and a commitment to informing the public. The enduring ownership of RealClearPolitics by its founders is a testament to their passion for political discourse and their belief in the power of accessible, unbiased information.
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Current Publisher: Forbes Media LLC acquired RealClearPolitics in 2020
In 2020, Forbes Media LLC acquired RealClearPolitics (RCP), marking a significant shift in the ownership of the influential political news aggregator and polling website. This acquisition brought RealClearPolitics under the umbrella of a well-established media conglomerate known for its business and financial reporting. Forbes Media LLC, the parent company of *Forbes* magazine and its digital platforms, expanded its portfolio by integrating RCP’s unique focus on political analysis, polling data, and bipartisan news curation. The move was seen as a strategic effort by Forbes to diversify its content offerings and tap into the politically engaged audience that RealClearPolitics has cultivated since its founding in 2000.
The acquisition of RealClearPolitics by Forbes Media LLC reflects a broader trend in the media industry, where established publishers seek to consolidate niche platforms to enhance their reach and relevance. RealClearPolitics, known for its non-partisan approach to aggregating political news and its widely cited polling averages, complements Forbes’ existing content, which traditionally emphasizes business, entrepreneurship, and lifestyle topics. By adding RCP to its roster, Forbes Media LLC aims to strengthen its position in the competitive digital media landscape, particularly in the realm of political journalism and analysis.
Under Forbes Media LLC’s ownership, RealClearPolitics continues to operate as an independent entity, maintaining its editorial voice and mission. The acquisition was structured to preserve RCP’s brand identity and its commitment to providing unbiased political coverage. Forbes Media LLC’s role as the current publisher primarily involves providing resources, infrastructure, and strategic support to help RealClearPolitics grow its audience and expand its offerings. This approach ensures that RCP remains a trusted source for political news while benefiting from the scale and expertise of a larger media organization.
The partnership between Forbes Media LLC and RealClearPolitics also opens up opportunities for cross-promotion and collaboration. Forbes’ extensive reach and digital capabilities can amplify RCP’s content, introducing its political analysis to a broader audience. Conversely, RealClearPolitics’ specialized focus on politics and polling enriches Forbes’ content ecosystem, offering readers a more comprehensive view of the intersection between politics and business. This synergy aligns with Forbes Media LLC’s goal of becoming a multifaceted media company that caters to diverse reader interests.
As the current publisher of RealClearPolitics, Forbes Media LLC is positioned to navigate the evolving media landscape while upholding RCP’s reputation for accuracy and fairness. The acquisition underscores Forbes’ commitment to investing in quality journalism and its recognition of the enduring importance of political discourse in shaping public opinion. For readers and political enthusiasts, the continued operation of RealClearPolitics under Forbes Media LLC ensures access to reliable, data-driven political insights in an increasingly polarized media environment. This transition highlights how traditional and niche media outlets can collaborate to thrive in the digital age.
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Key Figures: Co-founders McIntyre and Bevan remain involved in editorial leadership
RealClearPolitics (RCP) is a prominent political news and polling aggregator founded in 2000 by John McIntyre and Tom Bevan. The platform has become a trusted source for political analysis, polling data, and opinion pieces, offering a balanced perspective by curating content from across the political spectrum. At the heart of RCP’s success are its co-founders, who remain actively involved in its editorial leadership, ensuring the site maintains its reputation for accuracy, fairness, and journalistic integrity.
John McIntyre, a key figure in RCP’s editorial direction, brings a wealth of experience in journalism and political analysis. Before co-founding RCP, McIntyre worked as a trader in the financial industry, which honed his analytical skills and attention to detail. His ability to distill complex political trends into accessible insights has been instrumental in shaping RCP’s content strategy. McIntyre’s leadership ensures that the platform remains a reliable source for both political insiders and the general public, focusing on data-driven reporting and unbiased aggregation.
Tom Bevan, McIntyre’s co-founder, complements his partner’s expertise with a strong background in political commentary and media. Bevan’s role in editorial leadership is marked by his commitment to presenting diverse viewpoints, a hallmark of RCP’s approach. He has been a vocal advocate for transparency in political reporting, often emphasizing the importance of letting readers draw their own conclusions from the information provided. Bevan’s influence is evident in RCP’s commitment to featuring voices from across the political spectrum, ensuring a well-rounded perspective on key issues.
Together, McIntyre and Bevan have fostered a culture of editorial independence at RCP, allowing the platform to stand apart from partisan media outlets. Their hands-on involvement in leadership decisions ensures that RCP’s content remains free from undue influence, prioritizing factual accuracy and balanced reporting. This commitment to integrity has earned RCP a loyal readership and respect across the political divide.
The continued involvement of the co-founders in editorial leadership also ensures continuity in RCP’s mission. Despite the rapid evolution of digital media, McIntyre and Bevan have successfully adapted the platform to changing consumer habits while preserving its core values. Their leadership has been pivotal in navigating challenges such as the rise of misinformation and the increasing polarization of political discourse, solidifying RCP’s position as a trusted aggregator in a crowded media landscape.
In summary, John McIntyre and Tom Bevan are not just the co-founders of RealClearPolitics but also its guiding forces. Their active roles in editorial leadership reflect their dedication to the platform’s founding principles: providing clear, accurate, and unbiased political information. As RCP continues to evolve, their stewardship remains a cornerstone of its success, ensuring it remains a go-to resource for political news and analysis.
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Parent Company: Forbes Media oversees operations, maintaining its political news focus
RealClearPolitics (RCP) is a prominent political news aggregator and commentary website known for its non-partisan approach to curating political news and opinion pieces. To understand its publishing structure, it’s essential to note that Forbes Media serves as the parent company overseeing its operations. This relationship ensures that RCP maintains its focus on political news while leveraging the broader resources and expertise of a media giant like Forbes. Forbes Media, renowned for its business and financial journalism, has strategically aligned with RCP to expand its reach into the political sphere, creating a symbiotic relationship that benefits both entities.
Forbes Media’s oversight of RealClearPolitics involves maintaining the site’s editorial integrity while ensuring it aligns with broader media trends and audience expectations. This includes strategic decisions about content curation, partnerships, and technological advancements to enhance user experience. By keeping RCP’s political news focus intact, Forbes Media allows the platform to retain its unique identity as a trusted source for political analysis and polling data. This hands-on yet respectful approach ensures that RCP remains a go-to destination for readers seeking unbiased political insights.
The parent company’s role extends to operational and financial support, enabling RealClearPolitics to invest in high-quality journalism and innovative tools. For instance, RCP’s popular polling averages and election forecasting models benefit from Forbes Media’s resources, ensuring accuracy and reliability. This backing allows RCP to compete effectively in a crowded media landscape while staying true to its mission of delivering comprehensive political coverage. Forbes Media’s involvement also facilitates cross-promotion, exposing RCP’s content to a wider audience through Forbes’ extensive network.
Despite Forbes Media’s oversight, RealClearPolitics retains its editorial independence, a critical factor in maintaining its credibility. The parent company’s role is more about stewardship than control, ensuring RCP’s political news focus remains sharp and relevant. This balance between support and autonomy is a key reason why RCP continues to thrive as a respected political news platform. Forbes Media’s strategic guidance helps RCP navigate the evolving media industry while preserving its core values and audience trust.
In summary, Forbes Media plays a pivotal role in overseeing RealClearPolitics, ensuring it remains a leading source of political news and analysis. By providing operational, financial, and strategic support, Forbes Media enables RCP to focus on what it does best: delivering insightful and unbiased political content. This partnership exemplifies how a parent company can enhance a subsidiary’s strengths while respecting its unique identity, ultimately benefiting both the platform and its audience.
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Editorial Independence: RealClearPolitics retains autonomy despite Forbes ownership
RealClearPolitics (RCP), a prominent political news aggregator and commentary platform, has long been recognized for its commitment to providing a balanced and diverse range of political perspectives. Since its inception in 2000, RCP has maintained a strong reputation for editorial independence, which has become a cornerstone of its identity. In 2020, Forbes Media acquired RealClearMedia, the parent company of RealClearPolitics, raising questions about whether this change in ownership would compromise RCP's editorial autonomy. However, RCP has consistently demonstrated that its editorial independence remains intact, even under Forbes ownership.
The acquisition by Forbes Media was primarily a strategic business move aimed at expanding Forbes's reach into political news and commentary. From the outset, Forbes made it clear that it intended to preserve the editorial integrity and independence of RealClearPolitics. This commitment was formalized through agreements that ensured RCP's existing editorial team would continue to operate without interference from Forbes. The founding principles of RCP, which emphasize presenting multiple viewpoints and avoiding partisan bias, have been upheld, allowing the platform to maintain its credibility and trustworthiness among readers.
One of the key factors safeguarding RCP's editorial independence is the separation of its editorial operations from Forbes's broader media ecosystem. While Forbes provides resources and support for growth, it does not dictate content decisions or impose its editorial agenda on RCP. This arms-length approach ensures that RCP's editors and contributors retain full control over the selection and presentation of news stories, opinion pieces, and political analysis. As a result, RCP continues to serve as a reliable source of diverse political perspectives, free from undue influence.
Transparency has also played a crucial role in maintaining RCP's autonomy. The platform openly communicates its editorial philosophy and commitment to independence, reassuring readers that its content remains unbiased. Additionally, RCP's diverse roster of contributors, who span the political spectrum, further reinforces its non-partisan stance. By fostering an environment where differing viewpoints are welcomed and respected, RCP has been able to preserve its unique identity despite the Forbes acquisition.
Ultimately, the case of RealClearPolitics demonstrates that editorial independence can thrive even within the framework of larger media ownership. Forbes's hands-off approach, combined with RCP's steadfast commitment to its founding principles, has allowed the platform to retain its autonomy. For readers, this means continued access to a balanced and comprehensive source of political news and analysis, proving that ownership changes need not come at the expense of editorial integrity. As RCP moves forward under Forbes, its ability to maintain independence serves as a model for other media organizations navigating similar transitions.
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Frequently asked questions
Real Clear Politics is published by Real Clear Media Group, a Chicago-based digital media company.
Real Clear Politics was founded by John McIntyre and Tom Bevan in 2000.
No, Real Clear Politics is an independent media outlet and is not officially affiliated with any political party.
Real Clear Politics is owned by its parent company, Real Clear Media Group, which is privately held by its founders and investors.
The editorial content of Real Clear Politics is overseen by its co-founders, John McIntyre and Tom Bevan, along with their editorial team.

























