Alexander

Heffner

Journalist & Writer

Civic Educator

Biography

Alexander works in the prose of politics. He was a special correspondent for PBS's Need to Know, crisscrossing the nation in search of the Millennial vote in 2012. He founded and edited SCOOP08 and SCOOP44, the first-ever online national student newspapers covering the 2008 presidential election and the Obama administration, and taught a civic education and journalism seminar in New York City. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Boston Globe, The Philadelphia Inquirer, USA Today, Newsday, American Way Magazine and RealClearPolitics, among other leading newspapers and magazines. He has been interviewed about politics, education and stories in the news by PBS, CNN, C-SPAN and the BBC, among other national and local broadcast venues. He has given talks at the College of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the School of Politics and Economics at Claremont Graduate University, the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago, the Berkman Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University, the Graduate School of Political Management at George Washington University, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library and Museum, Bryn Mawr College, Tulane University and elsewhere. He is the co-author of A Documentary History of the United States, an anthology employed in college and high school courses. He was the political director for WHRB 95.3 FM and the host and managing editor of The Political Arena with Alexander Heffner, a Sunday afternoon public affairs broadcast.

Praise

“

Heffner is a bright new light on the journalistic scene: insightful and provocative.

—Annette Gordon-Reed, Charles Warren Professor of American Legal History, Harvard University

“

Heffner is a totally engaging, whip-smart and approachable proponent for the country's young people. When he spoke to my class, my students perked up immediately. He not only spoke to them, he encouraged them. He inspired them. He is a devoted advocate for civic engagement.

—Rick Alloway, Professor of Journalism, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

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I know of no one at such a young age who has committed himself more fully to the craft of journalism than Alexander Heffner. He has covered the Obama administration as a credentialed White House correspondent, interviewed Cabinet members and written incisively on topics as diverse as Millennial politics, civic education, Iranian youth and home lending.

—Jim Leach, Chairman, National Endowment of the Humanities

“

Heffner is a remarkable young man whose involvement in current affairs was already impressive long before his college years.

—Norman Ornstein, Resident Scholar, American Enterprise Institute

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Heffner is one of the most thorough and thoughtful political hosts in the country — at any age. His personal style brings together the best elements of Edward R. Murrow, Jim Lehrer and Chris Matthews to create his own unique brand of journalism for the next generation.

—Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director, Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America

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Heffner combines a passion for politics with the skills to make it interesting for our next generation of leaders, and his boundless energy makes it exciting for all.

—Steve Scully, Political Editor, C-SPAN

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Heffner has a gift for understanding the politics of his generation. I most took away how impressive our undergraduates appeared under his leadership as a moderator.

—Katherine Tate, Professor of Political Science, University of California-Irvine

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Heffner has a keen and thorough understanding of U.S. politics. He writes much more humanely than most political junkies do. He is a master of all media, and knows how newspapers work.

—John Timpane, Books Editor, The Philadelphia Inquirer

“

Heffner is as well-informed as any so-called professional talk show host and it was a pleasure chatting him up and trying like heck NOT to get stumped by him.

—Chuck Todd, Political Director, NBC News

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Heffner exhibits a keen grasp of economic policy, from the impact of big business on competition to the conflict between countries and corporations, demystifying with grace and clarity what can be a difficult subject.

—Gary Rawlins, Global Editions Editor, USA TODAY