Major Garrett - His Journey In American Journalism
Humanized Version
When you think about the people who keep us informed about what's happening in Washington, one name that often comes to mind is Major Garrett. He's a familiar face and voice for many, particularly for those who tune into CBS News. He really has made a mark as their main correspondent in the nation's capital, giving us the latest on the big stories that shape our country. So, you might say he's right there in the thick of things, keeping a close watch on the pulse of the government.
Beyond his regular appearances on television, Major Garrett also leads conversations that dig a little deeper. He hosts a popular podcast called "The Takeout," where, apparently, he brings together discussions on politics, current events, and even a bit of pop culture. It's a place where he aims to offer a good mix of serious talk, some lighter moments, and, you know, things that really get you thinking. He also spent some time as the anchor for "America Decides," which is an afternoon newscast on CBS News' 24/7 streaming service, giving people a constant stream of information.
His path to this prominent spot at CBS News is quite interesting, actually. It stretches back over many years, showing a consistent dedication to reporting on American politics and the way things work in Washington. He's someone who has been around for a while, watching and reporting on the comings and goings of power, and he really seems to have a knack for explaining it all to us. That, is that, a long career in news means he has seen quite a bit.
Table of Contents
- Who is Major Garrett?
- Early Days of Major Garrett's Professional Life
- How Did Major Garrett's Reporting Career Develop?
- Major Garrett's Shift to Print and Back
- What Does Major Garrett Do Now at CBS?
- The Longevity of Major Garrett's Congressional Coverage
- Major Garrett's Approach to News - What Makes It Unique?
- A Look at Major Garrett's Career Progression
Who is Major Garrett?
Major Elliott Garrett, a person born on August 24, 1962, has made a significant name for himself in the field of journalism within the United States. He is someone who has spent a good deal of his working life reporting on events and people that shape our nation. As of now, he holds a very important position as the chief Washington correspondent for CBS News, which means he's often the one bringing us the big stories from the capital. He is, you know, a key part of their news team.
His work goes beyond just reporting from the White House or Capitol Hill. He also takes on the role of host for "The Takeout" podcast, a venture that lets him explore topics in a different way, offering a blend of serious discussion and, sometimes, a bit of lightheartedness. He's also been an anchor for "America Decides," a newscast on the CBS News 24/7 streaming platform, which just goes to show how many different ways he contributes to keeping the public informed. He is, to be honest, a very active person in the news world.
Personal Details and Bio Data of Major Garrett
Full Name | Major Elliott Garrett |
Date of Birth | August 24, 1962 |
Nationality | American |
Occupation | Journalist, Correspondent, Author |
Current Role | Chief Washington Correspondent for CBS News |
Other Roles | Host of The Takeout podcast, former anchor of America Decides |
Early Days of Major Garrett's Professional Life
Before he became a well-recognized figure at CBS News, Major Garrett had already built up a considerable amount of experience in the news business. His path involved working for other significant news organizations, where he honed his skills and gained a deep familiarity with how political reporting works. He was, for instance, part of the team at Fox News, holding a similar kind of reporting position there before he made a move to another area of journalism. This early work really set the stage for what was to come, helping him develop the insights he shares today. He was, in a way, laying the groundwork for his future contributions.
His career has seen him take on important assignments, and he has been known for his thoroughness in covering government and political happenings. The journey from one news outlet to another allowed him to gather different perspectives and, perhaps, refine his unique way of telling a story. It's almost as if each step was a building block, adding to his overall understanding of the intricate world of Washington. You know, every experience counts.
How Did Major Garrett's Reporting Career Develop?
Major Garrett's professional journey took a particular turn in October 2010 when he decided to step away from television news, specifically from Fox News, to try his hand at something different: print journalism. This was, in some respects, a notable shift for someone who had been so visible on television. He began working with the National Journal, a publication known for its in-depth coverage of politics and public policy. He still contributes to that publication today, which shows a lasting connection to that form of news delivery. This period, arguably, broadened his abilities as a reporter.
The move to print allowed him to explore stories in a different medium, perhaps focusing on longer-form pieces and more detailed analysis, which is a bit different from the quicker pace of television news. This experience, you know, likely added another dimension to his already considerable talents. He spent time as the chief White House correspondent for the National Journal, giving him a front-row seat to the highest levels of American government. His time there was, basically, a very important part of his growth as a journalist who understands the ins and outs of Washington.
Major Garrett's Shift to Print and Back
After his time focusing on print journalism with the National Journal, Major Garrett eventually made his way back to television news, joining CBS News. This transition happened in December 2018, when he took on the role of chief Washington correspondent for the network. It was a significant return to the kind of daily, on-air reporting that many people associate with him. His experience from both television and print gave him a unique background, allowing him to approach stories with a comprehensive perspective. It's almost like he got to see both sides of the news coin, so to speak.
His career, you see, has been marked by these kinds of moves, each one building on the last. The year 2012, for instance, marked another important point in his professional path, though the specifics of that step are not detailed. What is clear, however, is that he has consistently sought out roles that keep him at the forefront of political reporting. He is, actually, someone who seems to thrive on being where the action is, reporting on the decisions that affect everyone.
What Does Major Garrett Do Now at CBS?
In his current capacity at CBS News, Major Garrett serves as their chief Washington correspondent. This means he is the primary person responsible for covering the big political stories that come out of the nation's capital for the network. He's often seen reporting from the White House, Capitol Hill, or other key locations where important decisions are made. His job involves explaining complex political situations in a way that people can grasp, making the news accessible to a broad audience. He is, quite simply, a central figure in CBS's political coverage.
Beyond his main reporting duties, Major Garrett also keeps busy with other ventures. He continues to host "The Takeout" podcast, which offers a different kind of platform for him to explore current events. This podcast is a place where he brings together a mix of serious conversations about politics and policy with, perhaps, some lighter elements like pop culture or humor. It’s a way, you know, to present information that’s both informative and, in a way, entertaining. He also, as mentioned, previously anchored "America Decides," a newscast on the CBS News 24/7 streaming service, showing his versatility across different media platforms.
The Longevity of Major Garrett's Congressional Coverage
One area where Major Garrett has truly demonstrated his depth of knowledge is in his coverage of the United States Congress. He has spent more than two decades as a congressional correspondent, which is a really long time to focus on one specific part of government. During this extensive period, he has, basically, made it his business to learn the ins and outs of how Congress operates. He has studied its functions, how votes are cast, and the often-intricate processes that govern lawmaking. This deep experience gives him a unique perspective when reporting on legislative matters.
His long tenure covering Congress means he has witnessed many different political cycles, leadership changes, and shifts in policy. This sustained focus allows him to provide a historical context to current events, helping viewers and listeners understand why things are happening the way they are. He is, honestly, someone who has seen a lot of history unfold on Capitol Hill, and that kind of background is invaluable in reporting. It's almost like he has a long memory for how things have worked, or not worked, in the past.
Major Garrett's Approach to News - What Makes It Unique?
Major Garrett's style of reporting is often described as providing a "balanced diet" of information. This means he doesn't just stick to the dry facts of politics and policy. He often incorporates elements of humor and, you know, "food for thought" into his discussions. This approach helps to make what can sometimes be very serious or complex topics more accessible and, perhaps, more interesting for a wider audience. He tries to present a complete picture, one that includes the human element of politics.
His podcast, "The Takeout," is a good example of this approach. It’s a space where serious discussions about current events can sit alongside conversations that touch on pop culture or lighter subjects. This blend suggests a desire to connect with people on multiple levels, recognizing that life isn't just about politics. He aims to offer content that informs, but also, in a way, engages the listener in a broader conversation. He is, very, someone who understands that people want more than just headlines; they want context and, sometimes, a bit of personality.
A Look at Major Garrett's Career Progression
Major Garrett's professional life has been a steady climb through various important roles in American journalism. Starting with his time at Fox News, where he served in a significant correspondent role, he then made a deliberate choice to explore print journalism with the National Journal. This move, which happened in October 2010, allowed him to deepen his reporting skills and focus on detailed analysis of political affairs. He still contributes to the National Journal, which speaks to his ongoing connection with that kind of in-depth reporting. He is, basically, someone who has always sought out ways to expand his craft.
His return to television news in December 2018, when he joined CBS News as their chief Washington correspondent, marked another significant step. This position places him at the forefront of daily political coverage, a role he has held with distinction. He has also taken on responsibilities as the host of "The Takeout" podcast and, for a period, as the anchor of "America Decides" on the CBS News streaming platform. These roles show his versatility and his commitment to reaching audiences through different media. His career, in a way, has been a continuous path of learning and adapting to the changing ways people get their news.
Throughout his many years in journalism, particularly his more than two decades covering Congress, Major Garrett has shown a deep dedication to understanding and explaining the workings of American government. His focus on how Congress functions and how it votes highlights his interest in the mechanics of power. This long-term commitment to a specific beat has made him a trusted voice on legislative matters. He is, you know, someone who has really put in the time to become an expert in his field, and that knowledge comes through in his reporting.

Major Garrett | Media Matters for America

Major Garrett - CBS News

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