History of Steve Forbes in Timeline

Malcolm Stevenson Forbes Jr., known as Steve Forbes, is an American publishing executive and politician. He currently serves as editor-in-chief of Forbes, a business magazine founded by his grandfather, B.C. Forbes. He also advises the Forbes School of Business & Technology. Forbes sought the Republican presidential nomination in both 1996 and 2000. Additionally, he served as chairman of the Board for International Broadcasting (BIB) for multiple terms, starting in 1985.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

July 18, 1947: Steve Forbes Born

On July 18, 1947, Malcolm Stevenson Forbes Jr., known as Steve Forbes, was born. He is the son of Malcolm Forbes and grandson of B.C. Forbes.

Others born on this day/year

1966: Graduation from Brooks School

In 1966, Steve Forbes graduated cum laude from Brooks School in North Andover, Massachusetts.

1970: Graduation from Princeton University

In 1970, Steve Forbes graduated with an A.B. in history from Princeton University. While at Princeton, Forbes founded Business Today magazine.

1971: Marriage to Sabina Beekman

In 1971, Steve Forbes married Sabina Beekman.

1985: Appointment as Head of Board of International Broadcasting

In 1985, Steve Forbes was appointed by President Ronald Reagan as head of the Board of International Broadcasting (BIB), which managed Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

1985: Chairman of the Board for International Broadcasting

In 1985, Steve Forbes was appointed chairman of the Board for International Broadcasting (BIB).

1993: Chairman of Empower America

From 1993, Steve Forbes served as the chairman of the Board of Directors of "Empower America".

1993: Service as BIB leader ends

In 1993, Steve Forbes concluded his service as the leader of the Board of International Broadcasting (BIB) following the inauguration of Bill Clinton.

1993: Reappointed chairman of Board for International Broadcasting

In 1993, Steve Forbes was reappointed as chairman of the Board for International Broadcasting (BIB).

March 16, 1996: Mark McKinney played Steve Forbes on SNL

On March 16, 1996, Mark McKinney played Steve Forbes on Saturday Night Live (SNL), shortly after Forbes dropped out of the 1996 presidential race.

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April 13, 1996: Hosts Saturday Night Live

On April 13, 1996, Steve Forbes hosted an episode of Saturday Night Live, participating in skits that poked fun at his wealth and persona.

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1996: Allegations of Favoritism at Fortune

During the 1996 campaign, it was alleged that stories about Forbes's advertisers became favorably biased toward them.

1996: Associates with Jack Kemp

From 1993 to 1996, through "Empower America", Steve Forbes became associates with prominent conservative politician Jack Kemp, who would go on to endorse Forbes during the 1996 Republican Party presidential primaries.

1996: Appears on Larry King Live with Family

In 1996, Steve Forbes appeared alongside his family on Larry King Live during his presidential campaign.

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1996: Campaigns for Ron Paul

In 1996, Steve Forbes campaigned on behalf of Ron Paul in the congressional election for Texas's 14th congressional district.

1996: Presidential Campaign on Flat Tax

In 1996, Steve Forbes entered the Republican primaries for President of the United States, primarily campaigning to establish a flat income tax.

1996: Forbes's positions in 1996

In 1996, Steve Forbes held opposite positions to his stance in 2000, including abortion.

1996: Republican Presidential Candidate

In 1996, Steve Forbes ran as a candidate in the Republican presidential primaries.

1996: Presidential Run and Campaign Style

In 1996, Steve Forbes ran for president and sold some of his Forbes, Inc. voting shares. Although he won the Arizona and Delaware primaries, his campaigning style was described as awkward.

1996: Flat Tax Plan in 1996

In 1996, Steve Forbes supported a flat tax of 17% on all personal and corporate earned income, with the first $33,000 of income exempt.

June 3, 1997: Signed Statement of Principles of Project for the New American Century

On June 3, 1997, Steve Forbes signed the Statement of Principles of Project for the New American Century (PNAC).

1999: Honorary chairman of Americans for Hope, Growth and Opportunity

From 1996 to 1999, Steve Forbes served as honorary chairman of the advocacy group "Americans for Hope, Growth and Opportunity".

2000: Distancing from Christine Todd Whitman

During his bid for the Republican nomination in 2000, Steve Forbes distanced himself from Christine Todd Whitman due to her pro-choice stance on abortion.

2000: Second Presidential Campaign

In 2000, Steve Forbes again ran for President of the United States in the Republican primaries, focusing on a flat income tax but dropping some previous campaign points.

2000: Forbes's Flat Tax Plan

In 2000, Steve Forbes maintained his flat tax plan but instead of a $33,000 exemption, it resembled the Armey Plan with a $13,000-per-adult and $5,000-per-dependent deduction.

2000: Republican Presidential Candidate

In 2000, Steve Forbes was a candidate in the Republican presidential primaries.

2000: Returns to Forbes

In 2000, after dropping out early in the primary season, Steve Forbes returned to heading the magazine and company, Forbes.

2000: Social Conservatism Stance

In the 2000 campaign, Steve Forbes professed his support for social conservatism and announced he was adamantly opposed to abortion and supported prayer in public schools, which are positions he held opposite positions to in 1996.

December 2006: Joined Board of Directors of FreedomWorks

In December 2006, Steve Forbes joined the Board of Directors of the advocacy organization FreedomWorks.

March 28, 2007: Joins Rudy Giuliani's Campaign

On March 28, 2007, Steve Forbes joined Rudy Giuliani's campaign for the 2008 presidential election as a National Co-Chair and Senior Policy Advisor.

2008: Economic Advisor to John McCain

During the 2008 presidential campaign, Steve Forbes served as John McCain's economic advisor on taxes, energy, and the budget.

March 2013: Intelligence Squared Debate

In March 2013, Steve Forbes participated in an NPR broadcast Intelligence Squared debate concerning the motion "Does America Need A Strong Dollar Policy?".