Maureen Dowd is an American columnist and author known for her sharp wit and insightful commentary on politics and culture. Born on January 14, 1952, in Washington, D.C., she began her journalism career at The Washington Star in 1974, later joining Time magazine in 1981. In 1983, Dowd joined The New York Times as a metropolitan reporter and became an op-ed columnist in 1995, replacing Anna Quindlen. Her columns often explore politics, Hollywood, and gender-related topics, characterized by an acerbic, satirical style.
In 1999, Dowd won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary for her columns on the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal. She has also authored several books, including “Bushworld: Enter at Your Own Risk” (2004), “Are Men Necessary? When Sexes Collide” (2005), and “The Year of Voting Dangerously: The Derangement of American Politics” (2018).
Recently, Dowd recalled hosting the late Vogue editor André Leon Talley in 2012, sharing anecdotes about his demanding yet delightful nature during his stay. She described how Talley critiqued her wardrobe and insisted she iron her clothes properly, turning their time together into one of her fondest memories.
In November 2024, Dowd penned a column criticizing identity politics within the Democratic Party, suggesting that an emphasis on political correctness and diversity-focused language alienated key voter groups. This perspective sparked discussions on programs like “Morning Joe,” highlighting concerns about the party’s direction and voter engagement strategies.