Matt Robison & Confessions of a Hill Chief of Staff

Pro Politics with Zac McCrary

Matt Robison has worn many political hats, among them working in numerous positions across Capitol Hill - including serving as Chief of Staff for three members. He also managed the successful 2012 upset re-election of Rep. John Tierney, after Tierney was named the GOP's top takeover opportunity that cycle. With roots in Manhattan, Matt had formative experiences in NYC public schools before a chance meeting with then Governor Bill Clinton in 1992 and an unlikey mentor at Harvard, nudged him to a career working in government. In this conversation, Matt talks his path to working in politics, goes deep on the best practices and unwritten rules of working on the Hill, and updates on his post-Hill life as a writer, radio host, and podcaster.

IN THIS EPISODE

How Matt's brief time in the NYC public school system informed his future outlook as a political operative...

Matt's memorable experience meeting Bill Clinton during the 1992 presidential campaign...

An unexpected political mentor and how Matt got his foot into the political door...

Matt successfully manages a Democratic House incumbent in 2012 who was the GOP's #1 target...

Matt's initial impressions of working on the Hill as a junior staffer...

Matt's best practices for running a Hill office...

The mistake Matt made as a Hill Chief that led to an attack ad against his member...

Why scheduling is the worst part of the job as a Hill Chief of Staff...

The one type of person Matt recommends never hiring as a Hill Chief...

Matt's advice for new Hill staffers...

Matt's take on the rise of unionized Hill offices...

Matt's estimate on the share of House members who are jerks...

Some of the most impressive members (both Dem & GOP) Matt saw during his time on the Hill...

Why Matt left the Hill after running three House offices...

Matt's "most interesting number in politics"...

Matt's current podcast, releasing three episodes a week...

Matt's strangest work habits...

AND Charlie Bass, Biafra, Lauren Boebert, Jeb Bradley, George HW Bush, Robert Caro, James Carville, General Comfort, Crash Davis, Mickey Edwards, David Gergen, Newt Gingrich, gross metaphors, half hugs, Paul Hodes, Rush Holt, Steny Hoyer, hybrid ads, illegal offshore gambling rings, Walter Isaacson, Steve Jobs, Gerry Kavanaugh, logistical nightmares, Nancy Mace, massive scandals, Chris Matthews, Mike Michaud, Mr. Miyagi, Tip O'Neill, Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, personal mishegas, philosophical questions, Reagan Democrats, Stu Rothenberg, South Park, the stupidest law in America, John Tierney, Donald Trump, unhinged maniacs, wicked sore throats...& more!