“Outside events can change a presidential campaign, a president, and the history of the nation: the Iranian hostage crisis, the bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut, the downing of the helicopter in Mogadishu, Somalia, the suicide attack on the USS Cole, and, of course, the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.”

American political advisor and television producer

Mark David McKinnon is an American political advisor, reform advocate, media columnist, and television producer. He is known for his role in Republican campaign strategy, his work in political commentary, and his involvement in television production. He served as chief media adviser on five successful presidential primary and general election campaigns. He also co-founded No Labels, a group focused on bipartisanship and practical political solutions. His career has included leadership roles at Public Strategies, Inc. and Maverick Media, along with work on The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show on Earth and consulting on The Newsroom and House of Cards. He also wrote regularly for The Daily Beast and The Daily Telegraph.