Malcom Stevenson Forbes Jr., known to the world at large as Steve Forbes, is the heir of the [Forbes] [media] and publishing dynasty and a two-time [candidate] for the [Republican] [nomination] for [President] of the [United States].

Steve was born in Morristown, [New Jersey] on July 18, [1947]. He was the son of late media [mogul] [Malcom Forbes], best known today as the founder and publisher of [Forbes] magazine. He grew up in [New Jersey] on a large estate and demonstrated an interest in [politics] at an early age, constantly taking [poll]s and holding mock elections with his stuffed animals. He attended [boarding school] in [Andover], [Massachusetts], where he became [editor] of the school [newspaper] his [senior] year.

He went on to [Princeton] in [1966] and received a [bachelor]'s [degree] in [American] history from there in [1970]. After college, he married Sabina Beckham, a daughter of a [minister], in [1971], and he served in the [National Guard] until [1976], seeing limited active duty. After his military experience, Steve returned to the family publishing business and quickly became his father's [right hand man], gradually assuming control when his [father]'s health began to fail in the [1980]'s. In [1990], when Malcom Forbes Sr. died, Steve gained majority head of Forbes Inc., gaining 51% of the company [stock] as his inheritance. Also over this twenty year span, Steve and Sabina had five children: Elizabeth, Moira, Catherine, Sabina, and Roberta.

In [1992], Steve was named a trustee at [Princeton], but his biggest focus that year was on the presidential [campaign], which featured third party candidate [Ross Perot] throwing his hat into the ring. Perot had a strong and realistic chance of winning both [despite] and because of his odd demeanor, look, character, and perspective on the issues. Over the next two years, Steve strongly considered a run for President himself, finally throwing his hat into the ring in [1995] for the [Republican] nomination for president.

Running on his own money, Forbes mounted an interesting campaign on the more [liberal] side of the [Republican] party. He argued in favor of a [flat tax] for [income tax] purposes and was quite open on traditionally closed [conservative] issues such as [abortion]. His unorthodox campaign style was perhaps capped off by a very well done April [1996] appearance as guest host of the sketch comedy series [Saturday Night Live].

Even with many strong endorsements from within the party (most notably [Jack Kemp]), Forbes lost the nomination that year to [Bob Dole]. He vowed to run again, and he did in [2000], this time with a more serious demeanor and a more [conservative] stand on many issues. He remained a champion of the [flat tax], however, and he received solid voter support in the early [primary] states. However, his [momentum] was bowled over largely by [John McCain], who swept up the [dissatisfied] [Republican] votes that were rejecting the ideas of the eventual winner and future president, [George W. Bush]. Again, Forbes dropped out of the race without the nomination.

Regardless of what happens in the future, Steve Forbes' legacy will revolve around his two attempts at running for the presidency and his [stewardship] over the Forbes publishing empire.

Steve Forbes (person)