TVNewser has learned CBS News will be bringing on Jamal Simmons as a political analyst for the midterms.
Simmons has been a fixture on cable news channels CNN and MSNBC over the years.
He works as a political consultant in Washington, D.C. and has held positions in the Clinton Administration and was communications aide for Vice President Al Gore during his 2000 run for the White House and during the recount.
> Update: Official. Press release after the jump…
JAMAL SIMMONS IS NAMED CBS NEWS POLITICAL ANALYST
Jamal Simmons has been named Political Analyst for CBS News, it was announced today by Sean McManus, President, CBS News and Sports. In this capacity, Simmons will provide on-air analysis of Democratic strategies and contribute to CBS News broadcasts and platforms across the Network. His appointment is effective immediately.
“We’re delighted to have Jamal join our multi-platform Campaign 2010 Team,” said McManus. “Jamal’s extensive background as a Democratic strategist and advisor and his skills as a political analyst and communicator will be valuable assets to CBS News during this highly anticipated political season. Jamal and his CBS News Republican counterpart Dan Bartlett will make a dynamic team providing our viewers insider scoops and unique insights into the campaigns and the issues.”
Simmons is currently a principal at The Raben Group, a consulting firm in Washington, D.C. He has been a regular panelist on CNN, “The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer” and the BBC. Additionally, Simmons’ viewpoints have been featured in major publications such as GQ Magazine, New York Times, International Herald Tribune and USA Today.
Previously, Simmons held several positions in presidential politics, including as a political appointee in the Office of the United States Trade Representative and the Department of Commerce during the first Clinton Administration, for whom he planned events in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. He also traveled with candidate Bill Clinton during his successful 1992 campaign.
Additionally, Simmons served as a communications aide for Vice President Al Gore during his presidential campaign and was a spokesman for Gore during the recount in Palm Beach, Florida. He also served as a traveling press secretary to two presidential candidates, Bob Graham and Wesley Clark; as campaign communications director for Senator Max Cleland; and as chief of staff to Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick. Simmons has also been an advisor to Nevada Democrats, the Democratic National Committee and the Obama/Biden Campaign for the 2008 election. He worked on 2004’s “We Are the Future” charity concert with Quincy Jones in Rome and Al Gore’s “Live Earth” concert in Hamburg, Germany, in 2007.
Simmons is a graduate of Morehouse College, where he recently received the Presidential Award of Distinction. He holds a Master’s in public policy from Harvard University. He also is a French American Foundation Young Leader (2009-10) and former term member of the Council on Foreign Relations.