Lawrence O'Donnell

Lawrence O’Donnell – Life, Career, and Political Commentary

Explore the life and career of Lawrence O’Donnell (born November 7, 1951): from Senate staffer to TV host, writer, and liberal political commentator. Discover his major works, viewpoints, controversies, and influence in American media.

Introduction

Lawrence Francis O’Donnell Jr. (born November 7, 1951) is an American television anchor, political commentator, author, and former Senate staffer.

He is best known as the host of the MSNBC nightly news/opinion program The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell, where he blends political analysis, commentary, and rhetorical style.

Beyond his on-air persona, O’Donnell has also worked in television writing and production (notably for The West Wing) and authored political books.

Early Life and Education

Lawrence O’Donnell Jr. was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on November 7, 1951.

He was raised Catholic and is of Irish descent.

For his early schooling, he attended St. Sebastian’s School, graduating in 1970. While there, he was captain of the baseball team and played wide receiver on an undefeated football team.

He went on to Harvard University, where he majored in economics and graduated in 1976. While at Harvard, he contributed to the Harvard Lampoon.

Early Career: Politics, Writing & Senate Work

Legislative Staff and Senate Career

O’Donnell began his political work in 1989 as an aide to U.S. Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, eventually serving as senior adviser and staff director for major Senate committees (Environment & Public Works, Finance).

His time in the Senate gave him inside exposure to policy, legislative maneuvering, and political networks. This background later informed his style as a commentator.

Author & Early Publishing

In 1983, O’Donnell published Deadly Force: The Wrongful Death of James Bouder Jr., based on a case in which his father had been the plaintiff’s lawyer. The book was later adapted into a TV movie, A Case of Deadly Force.

He also has written for various publications on politics and policy topics.

Television & Media Career

The West Wing and TV Writing

O’Donnell joined The West Wing as a writer and producer, helping craft episodes and occasionally appearing onscreen.

He also created and executive produced Mister Sterling, a political drama on NBC.

The Last Word & MSNBC

In September 2010, O’Donnell launched The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell on MSNBC.

He is known on air for combining reportage, opinion, rhetorical flourishes, and sometimes sharp critique of political figures and policy.

He has also appeared on other MSNBC / NBC platforms, and occasionally filled in or contributed to shows such as Morning Joe.

Acting Appearances

Beyond his work behind the camera, O’Donnell has played small roles in television series:

• On Big Love, he portrayed Lee Hatcher (an attorney) in multiple episodes.

• He played President Bartlet’s father in The West Wing (as mentioned).

• He’s had brief guest roles in series like Monk and portrayed himself or cameo roles in other political / news-oriented programming.

Views, Style & Influence

Political Philosophy & Self-Identification

O’Donnell describes himself as a “practical European socialist.”

His commentary tends to focus on accountability, institutional structure, legal norms, and systemic critiques, frequently targeting corruption, hypocrisy, or policy failures.

On-Air Persona & Rhetoric

O’Donnell is known for blending facts, storytelling, moral framing, and confrontational questioning. He often frames political debates in strong ethical terms and is comfortable issuing sharp rebukes to public officials.

He also uses his Senate and policy background to bring deeper contextual awareness to U.S. political developments, rather than merely surface-level punditry.

Philanthropy & Projects

Through MSNBC and UNICEF, O’Donnell has participated in educational and philanthropic efforts, such as the K.I.N.D. Fund (Kids in Need of Desks), which provides desks to schools in Malawi.

Controversies & Criticisms

• O’Donnell has sometimes made remarks that sparked backlash, especially related to religion or ethnicity. For example, in 2007, he criticized Mitt Romney’s religious speech, and in 2012 made comments about the LDS Church that prompted apologies.

• In 2019, he retracted a story regarding Deutsche Bank documents tied to Russian oligarchs, admitting it was an “error in judgment.”

• In 2017, a leaked behind-the-scenes audio showed him angrily reacting to technical difficulties during a broadcast, which became a topic of discussion. He publicly apologized.

These episodes have sometimes fueled critiques that he mixes advocacy with journalism, or that his tone can overshadow nuance.

Works & Published Writing

• Deadly Force (1983) — his early nonfiction work on wrongful death and policing.

• Playing with Fire: The 1968 Election and the Transformation of American Politics (2017) — a historical-political book he authored.

• He has also written essays and commentary for publications and contributed to political/media discourse beyond his show.

Legacy & Ongoing Role

Lawrence O’Donnell occupies a particular niche in U.S. media: a hybrid of political insider turned on-air analyst, deeply versed in policy and legislative history, with a knack for rhetorical framing. Over years, he has molded The Last Word into a platform for in-depth commentary rather than just surface-level punditry.

He has influenced how news commentary shows can integrate policy literacy, narrative, and moral framing. For many viewers, his show is a stop for serious political analysis, especially for those on the left or center-left.

As of now, he continues to anchor The Last Word and remains an active voice in U.S. political media.