Carl Cannon, the Washington Bureau Chief of RealClearPolitics and Executive Editor of RealClear Media Group
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) is proud to announce that Carl Cannon, the Washington Bureau Chief of RealClearPolitics and Executive Editor of RealClear Media Group, will serve as the keynote speaker at the Political Involvement Reception during the 2025 NACDS Total Store Expo (TSE). Set for August 23 in San Diego, the reception will bring together pharmacy leaders and advocates for an evening dedicated to bipartisan engagement and forward-thinking dialogue.
Cannon brings more than forty years of journalistic excellence to the stage, having reported on every presidential campaign and major political convention since 1984. His reputation for sharp analysis, deep historical perspective, and award-winning White House coverage positions him as a trusted voice for the pharmacy community as they navigate a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
“Carl Cannon’s career is a testament to the power of clear-eyed reporting and a relentless pursuit of truly meaningful insights in the American political process,” said Steven C. Anderson, president and CEO of NACDS. “His perspectives will empower our members to better understand the current political climate and energize their advocacy for pharmacy’s future.”
Cannon’s accolades include the Gerald R. Ford Prize for Distinguished Reporting of the Presidency and the Aldo Beckman Award for “excellence in presidential news coverage.” His leadership roles at Reader’s Digest, National Journal, and the Baltimore Sun, along with bylines in Atlantic Monthly, The New Republic, and Forbes, among others, underscore a career defined by substance and impact. Cannon’s academic achievements include fellowships at Harvard’s Institute of Politics and Stanford’s Hoover Institution, and he is a sought-after lecturer at major universities and policy forums.
“Bringing Carl Cannon to the NACDS Total Store Expo offers members a unique opportunity to engage with his perspective and prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead,” Anderson said. “Carl’s historical knowledge and timely commentary will help attendees understand national and state political dynamics in new ways, and assess what’s at stake for pharmacies, patients, and communities across the nation.”
Cannon is also the author of books including On This Date: From the Pilgrims to Today, Discovering America One Day at a Time, and The Pursuit of Happiness in Times of War. His unique ability to connect lessons from history to the realities of today’s political climate makes him an especially timely and compelling choice for this year’s reception.
The 2025 NACDS Total Store Expo, taking place August 23-25 in San Diego, will gather pharmacy leaders and innovators for three days of education, networking, and strategic dialogue. The Political Involvement Reception is a cornerstone event designed to inspire grassroots advocacy and foster meaningful bipartisan conversations. Attendance is by invitation to NACDS Political Action Committee (NACDS-PAC) contributors and select guests, setting the stage for thoughtful discussion about the role of pharmacy in shaping the nation’s health.
Questions about the NACDS-PAC Political Involvement Reception can be directed to NACDS’ Heidi Ecker, (703) 837-4121.
