What did you just call me???

On names.

Last week, I did a podcast interview with “The News Agents,” a terrific UK-based political show.

On it, Emily Maitlis, one of the hosts, asked me how I describe myself — and what I do — these days.

I sort of fumbled around. I mentioned the words “journalist” and “analysts” and then settled on “independent news creator.” She said she liked “INC” and that we needed to just start saying it more so that everyone in space like mine — not affiliated with any legacy media outlet but still adhering to and working to uphold capital “J” journalism standards — would start using it.

I love it.

One of the hardest things for me these days is to effectively convey to people — both those who know me and those who don’t — what it is I do. And our ability to name things is critical to how we understood the world (and how I understand my new life.)

Let’s go through a few of the names people have called me (keeping it “PG”!) since I left CNN two-plus years ago — and why I don’t think any of them fit as well as “independent news creator.”

• “Reporter”: Look, I still like this one. This is how I have thought of myself my whole career. Old habits die hard. But — and maybe it’s just me — the word “reporter” calls up some stodgy images. Like, this guy:

  

  (Photo via Getty Images)

  Which isn’t exactly the vibe I am going for in the mid 2020s.

  Plus, I am not walking the streets knocking on doors searching for scoops. I was in the breaking news world for the first decade of my career. I liked it. But it stressed me WAY out — waiting those interminable minutes while other outlets looked to match that this senator that senator had retired. And thinking how my career would be over if I had gotten it wrong.

  So, I purposely got out of that business a while ago. And while there are plenty of people who call themselves “reporters” who don’t focus on breaking news, the name just doesn’t feel like it fits what I do on a day in and day out basis.

• “Pundit”: Ugh. This is an absolute non-starter for me. Yes, I spent many years going on TV and giving my analysis of the day, week or year in politics. And, yes, I will continue to do so (some exciting news coming out that front shortly!).

  But, like, “pundit” feels pejorative to me now. Like someone who goes on one of these shout-fests that a lot of cable news has become and just tries to talk over everyone and preen.

  I HATE that. It’s the opposite of what I want to do with my career. I think we need less performative outrage — and, trust me, the vast majority of what you see on TV is performance not actual emotion — and a whole lot more listening and thinking. And empathy.

• “News Influencer”: There are lots and lots of people in my space who call themselves this or some version of it.

  I get it. But, to me, the word “influencer” has been ruined by all of the Instagram and TikTok influencers out there.

  I am not trying to get famous for, um, being famous. Or so that some brand can send me their latest goodies. Or so I can buy a matching black and white Range Rovers (like the Cavinder twins did).

  Plus, I am not trying to “influence” the news. I am trying to analyze the news.

Which brings me back to “independent news creator.” I think that gets at all of the things I care about:

1. “Independent”: No one owns me. No one tells me what to write or say. I am not beholden to either political party. I call balls and strikes no matter what uniform the batter at the plate is wearing.

2. “News”: I LOVE the news. It fuels me. Drives my day. Keeps me perpetually interested and engaged. I cannot imagine a life where I am not a news junkie — whether or not I get paid for it!

3. “Creator”: Every day I engage in the act of creation. I make videos. I write posts. I talk on podcasts. I go on TV. And NONE of it is taken from other people. I pride myself on my ability to think of a whole lot of interesting stuff every single day. My thoughts. My brain. My dot-connecting.

So now when people ask me what I do for a living, I am going to say that I am an “independent news creator.” Or an “INC.” I like the sound of it. And it fits with where my journalism — and journalism more generally — is heading.

If that sounds like something you want to support, I hope you become a paid subscriber today. It’s $6 a month or $60 a year.

What does a paid subscription get you?

1. Exclusive access to my weekly Monday conversation with NBC News’ Chuck Todd.

2. An exclusive Sunday email with a list of recommendations from yours truly — a podcast, an article, a YouTube video, a Substack, a song, a book, a TV show — that I think you will dig.

3. Exclusive access to “Chris Crucial,” my nightly newsletter on everything you need to know from the day in politics

4. A warm feeling knowing that your are helping to support my mission of independent and authentic political journalism

Become an investor in this newsletter today!