“The 'West Wing' writers room would not have come up with the idea of running a presidential campaign in which an African-American gets elected. Because the realism view would have said that's not possible.”

American television anchor, author, and political commentator

Lawrence Francis O'Donnell Jr. is an American television anchor, political commentator, author, screenwriter, and actor. He is known as the host of The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell, an MS NOW opinion and news program that airs on weeknights. O'Donnell has built a career across television and writing, moving between broadcasting, commentary, and scripted work. His public voice is most closely associated with political analysis and opinion, especially through his role on The Last Word, where he presents news and commentary in a nightly format.