Claire McCaskill is an American politician who served as a United States Senator from Missouri from 2007 to 2019. She was the first female senator elected in her own right in Missouri and a prominent member of the Democratic Party. After losing reelection in 2018, McCaskill has continued to stay active in politics and public affairs as a political analyst and commentator.
McCaskill’s Early Political Career
Claire McCaskill began her political career in 1982 when she was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives. She served in the state legislature for 8 years until she was elected Jackson County Prosecutor in 1992. McCaskill made history in 1998 when she became the first woman elected to the office of State Auditor in Missouri.
In 2004, McCaskill challenged incumbent Republican Senator Jim Talent for his Senate seat. The race gained national attention as one of the most competitive Senate races that year. Though she narrowly lost to Talent, McCaskill gained prominent name recognition in the state.
Elected to U.S. Senate in 2006
In 2006, McCaskill once again challenged Talent for his Missouri Senate seat. This time, she defeated the incumbent in a close race decided by less than 3% of the vote.
McCaskill was the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate from Missouri in her own right. Previously, two other women had represented Missouri in the Senate but both were appointed to fill vacated seats.
During her first term from 2007-2013, McCaskill served on several high-profile committees including Armed Services, Commerce, Homeland Security, and Aging. She quickly made a name for herself as a moderate Democrat willing to work across party lines on many issues.
McCaskill’s Accomplishments as Senator
As Senator, McCaskill was a strong advocate for several key issues:
Transparency and Oversight of Federal Spending
One of McCaskill’s signature issues was transparency and accountability for federal government spending. She helped author and pass legislation including:
– The Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 requiring a user-friendly searchable website with information on federal grants and contracts.
– The Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act prohibiting insider trading by members of Congress.
Support for Veterans
McCaskill worked to expand resources and benefits for veterans including housing, healthcare, job assistance, and mental health services. She helped pass bills like the GI Bill Tuition Fairness Act and legislation assisting veterans exposed to toxic burn pits.
Protection for Sexual Assault Victims
McCaskill was a leader in the effort to combat sexual assault in the military. She sponsored reforms improving the military justice system’s handling of sexual assault cases through increased oversight and support for victims.
Moderate Democrat Willing to Compromise
While a strong Democrat, McCaskill also cultivated a reputation for pragmatism and bipartisanship to get things done. She frequently worked across the aisle and was rated as one of the most moderate Senators during her tenure.
Reelection Loss in 2018
After serving two terms as Senator, McCaskill ran for reelection in 2018. However, she was defeated by Republican Josh Hawley in a close race decided by 6 percentage points. Hawley was able to flip much of rural Missouri to defeat the Democratic incumbent.
McCaskill’s loss was part of a broader Republican surge during the 2018 midterm elections. Despite significant Democratic gains nationwide, the party lost Senate seats in Missouri, Indiana, Florida and North Dakota resulting in an increased Republican Senate majority.
McCaskill’s defeat marked an end to her 12 years representing Missouri in the Senate. At the time, she said she still believed in compromise and urged the incoming Congress not to retreat to political corners.
What McCaskill Is Doing Now
Since leaving elected office in 2019, Claire McCaskill has stayed actively engaged in politics and current affairs through several roles:
Political Analyst for NBC News
Shortly after leaving the Senate, McCaskill was hired by NBC News and MSNBC as an on-air political analyst. She frequently appears on programs like Morning Joe, Deadline: White House, and Meet the Press to provide commentary on major political news stories.
McCaskill uses her experience as an elected official to add unique insight into how Democrats and Republicans are navigating policies and political battles, especially in Congress.
Professor at University of Chicago
In 2019, McCaskill joined the Institute of Politics at the University of Chicago as a Fellow. She teaches undergraduate seminars on Congress, campaigns, and elections.
McCaskill also participates in discussions and events aimed at inspiring greater youth participation in politics and public service.
Podcast Host
In 2021, McCaskill launched her own podcast called Joshing with McCaskill where she has in-depth conversations with prominent political figures and journalists. Some guests have included Hillary Clinton, Chuck Schumer, Chris Wallace, and Joy Reid.
The podcast allows McCaskill to have candid insider conversations about topics like the state of American politics, Washington dysfunction, and advice for the next generation.
Public Perception of McCaskill
Throughout her long political career, McCaskill cultivated an image as a moderate pragmatist willing to work across party lines. Here is some additional context on how McCaskill has been publicly perceived:
Praised for Bipartisanship and Independence
McCaskill frequently received praise for seeking bipartisan compromise on issues. She was rated the 36th most bipartisan Senator by the Lugar Center and was known to buck her party on certain issues.
Her willingness to break from Democratic leadership at times irritated party activists but bolstered her appeal to more moderate voters.
Criticized by Progressives as Too Centrist
While admired by moderates, McCaskill also drew ire at times from the left wing of her party. Progressives believed she was too quick to compromise and did not use her leverage enough to advance a bold Democratic agenda.
Her centrist stance was a major liability during the 2018 primary when she narrowly defeated a more liberal challenger backed by Senator Bernie Sanders.
Respected for Tenacity and Directness
Throughout her career, McCaskill also gained a reputation for asking direct questions and relentlessly pursuing issues she cared about like government oversight and sexual assault in the military.
Her former colleagues describe her as tenacious with an incredible work ethic. She was widely respected by Senators on both sides of the aisle.
Where Things Stand for McCaskill
While her time as Senator has ended, Claire McCaskill remains a prominent and influential figure in Democratic politics. Here is a summary of where things currently stand:
- She continues to impact political discourse and coverage through her role as an analyst for NBC News.
- She is sharing her decades of institutional knowledge through teaching and mentoring young people at the University of Chicago.
- Her weekly podcast provides behind-the-scenes political perspective to over 100,000 listeners.
- There is speculation she could be tapped for a role in a future Democratic administration given her deep governing experience and party loyalty since leaving office.
At 67 years old, McCaskill still has plenty of energy to make her voice heard on the key political issues facing the country today and help shape the next generation of political leaders.
Conclusion
Claire McCaskill capped off a groundbreaking political career with 12 years as a United States Senator from Missouri. As the first woman elected Senator in her own right from the state, she made her mark through moderate pragmatism, fierce advocacy for government accountability, and efforts to find compromise.
Though her reelection bid came up short in 2018, McCaskill continues to actively engage in politics as an analyst, professor, and podcast host. She remains an important voice advocating for bipartisanship at a time of deep polarization. McCaskill’s legacy and impact on the state of Missouri and Democratic politics will extend far into the future through the next generation of leaders she now nurtures and inspires.