Political Animal Kevin Drum Joins Mother Jones: Blogger Known for Analytical Approach to Economics and Politics Now on Motherjones.com

About: Kevin Drum joins Mother Jones

Contact: Eddie Scher, 202-256-2635

Mother Jones, the investigative news organization, announced today that blogosphere pioneer Kevin Drum is joining Motherjones.com.

Drum's analytical approach and in-depth research has placed him at the forefront of the past few years' biggest news stories, from the mortgage crisis to the investigation of President Bush's National Guard service. His audience knows and trusts that Drum's blog, formerly at the Washington Monthly is the first, best place to go online for a well-informed understanding of the most important issues of the day.

"Kevin's approach to blogging is a perfect fit with Mother Jones" says co-editor Monika Bauerlein. "He's a real reporter—the kind of blogger who digs up the facts behind the spin, rather than simply pontificating. And, of course, he's the inventor of Friday catblogging."

"Kevin has been a blogger who I've read since blogging began," adds co-editor Clara Jeffery. "He's willing to take on the sacred cows of the right and left. He often provides careful analysis and a voice of reason on the heated issues of the day."

"Mother Jones' reporting is the best in the business," says Drum, who is based in Los Angeles. "Like Mother Jones, I cover national politics from outside the beltway and report without being part of the echo-chamber or the cocktail circle that goes on in Washington, DC."

The addition of Drum is the latest move in a significant expansion of the nonprofit’s reporting staff. In 2007 Mother Jones opened an eight-person Washington office, including bureau chief David Corn and veteran investigator James Ridgeway.

"Kevin has a great following, and his presence will continue to raise the profile of MotherJones.com as the go-to site for smart, fearless political reporting," says Mother Jones publisher Jay Harris.

Drum's blog will launch at www.motherjones.com on August 22.

Mother Jones offers readers smart, fearless journalism and thought-provoking analysis of politics and social issues. Mother Jones magazine is on newsstands and online at www.motherjones.com