Fred Barnes is a veteran American conservative journalist, commentator, and political insider, best known for his coverage of Republican politics. Born in 1943, he began his career as a reporter for The Charleston News and Courier in South Carolina and studied history at the University of Virginia, which shaped his analytical approach. He gained national prominence through writings in The New Republic and The American Spectator. In 1995, he co-founded The Weekly Standard with William Kristol, serving as its executive editor until its closure in 2018. During this period, he co-hosted The Weekly Standard podcast and became a staple on cable news, co-hosting The Beltway Boys with Mort Kondracke on Fox News Channel and frequently appearing on Special Report with Bret Baier. Throughout his career, Barnes has been recognized for his conservative perspective, access to political figures, and contributions to books and articles on American conservatism. Despite the folding of The Weekly Standard, he continues to contribute to political discourse through television appearances and writings, maintaining his role as a key observer of the American political landscape.