Latest news with #David Gergen
Forbes
6 days ago
- Politics
- Forbes
A Tribute To David Gergen, 4x Presidential Advisor, Advocate For Women, And A Personal Friend, Mentor
David Gergen speaks on stage at The Jefferson Awards Foundation 2017 DC National Ceremony at Capital ... More Hilton in Washington, DC. (Photo byfor The Jefferson Awards Foundation) America lost a giant this week, in more ways than one. David Richmond Gergen was a rare breed, a rare talent, a rare intellect and a profoundly warm, principled human being. At an imposing 6' 5,' and a man who worked at the heights of political, business and academic power and influence, he nonetheless was adept at understanding the plight of the common man and woman. I was privileged to call David a good friend, a trusted mentor and a robust debating partner for over 20 years. David (I'm purposely forgoing the standard journalistic convention of using the person's last name for this piece) was an influential voice whispering in the ears of four presidents of the United States – Nixon, Reagan, Ford and Clinton – often crafting words and messages for them. David was a trusted counsel by leaders of both Republicans and Democrats, which created complications for him professionally at times. In a world where alliances were (and are) transactional, David was his own man, basing his choices, comments, input and positions on his own principles and values. Like the rest of us, he had his inconsistencies, but he took responsibility for those too, often with self-deprecating humor and his deep baritone belly laugh. An 'Eyewitness to Power' and spoke truth to power David Gergen's book - Eyewitness to Power In addition to being, as his first book is entitled, an 'Eyewitness to Power,' David was always one to speak his mind, not hesitating to speak truth to power when they might not want to hear it. He was also a gifted, insightful journalist and political commentator, serving as editor of the conservative American Enterprise Institute's Public Opinion, and editor of U.S. News & World Report for a bit and then its editor-at-large, and then on PBS regularly and, most recently and frequently, a senior political analyst on CNN for many years. He wrote many searing columns on a range of domestic and international political issues. Committed to public service as a calling after his years in government, David founded the Center for Public Leadership at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, where he served as Director and professor for many years. Lucky were the students who had David as their professor. He would tell me that he earned his law degree (at Harvard Law School), with no intention of actually practicing law, but rather for the public service aspect. David Gergen - speaking David was an in-demand A-list speaker at corporate events, some of which I had the privilege of attending. Unlike so many other speakers, even high-level ones, David never gave a 'stump speech' or canned remarks. He would always present fresh insights tailored to their industry (and a few jokes) to every audience, commenting on the day's current events, political gyrations and policies with depth, nuance, perspective and warmth. Many people would come up to him and ask him to run for president, and he would tell them he was flattered by the comment, but politely decline. Usually with a chuckle. Advocate for women's leadership One thing I have not heard any of the many – and well-deserved – tributes to him talk about though, was David's fierce commitment to advancing women in leadership, including expanding women's influence, economics and power. He often did this in his signature quiet, behind-the-scenes style, leveraging his extraordinary influence without seeking the limelight or credit for doing so. For example, he played a quiet leadership role in founding Harvard Kennedy School's Women's Leadership Board (WLB) and Women and Public Policy Program (WAPPP). David Gergen interviewed by Joan Michelson at an Executive Women in Government event I had the privilege of interviewing David, and moderating panels with him on a few occasions in this context. For example, I interviewed him for Executive Women in Government to a packed house of senior level women in government, both Senior Executive Service levels and political appointees. He was his usual candid and insightful self, also offering advice on how these women might advance and/or wield their power and influence most effectively based on the dynamics of the moment. He was also a panelist at a program I produced and moderated for the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) on the election of the time with two other esteemed journalists, Ron Brownstein, then at the National Journal, and the late Dotty Lynch, then the chief political analyst at CBS News. The robust and perceptive discussion that ensued was characteristic of every event he participated in. What the country needs David Gergen co-moderates a discussion with United States Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer at ... More the Harvard University Institute of Politics John F. Kennedy School of Government in Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2015. (Photo by,) David elevated the discourse at the table or in the room – and warmed it up too. He brought it back to earth, focusing the discussion on how the topic will affect the people, or who wins and loses their political power, and why, and what that dynamic will mean for the country. It was always about the country with David, not side-ism. Dining in Washington, DC not long ago, David and I had another robust discussion about what kind of leadership America needs now. He argued, as he did in his last book – 'Hearts Touched With Fire: How Great Leaders Are Made' – that his generation and baby boomers need to turn the reins over to younger generations. David Gergen's book - Hearts Touched w Fire I told him I understood his perspective, especially since, as a professor, he's surrounded by smart, motivated younger generations every day. But, I argued, we need more women in leadership of every generation. Ever-driven by an insatiable curiosity, David asked me why and I explained the unique perspectives, values, innovative thinking and experiences women bring, In typical David Gergen style, he came to the conclusion that the answer was 'both and' – that America needs both many more women of all generations and many more younger people in political, government and corporate leadership. David's way of wielding curiosity to get to common ground and policy that benefits the average American and the country's leadership in the world – and his affable nature and good humor – will be sorely missed.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
CNN Political Analyst David Gergen Dead at 83
David Gergen, who transitioned from a career in Washington as a presidential advisor to a role on CNN as a political analyst, has died at the age of 83. Gergen died Thursday at a retirement home in Lexington, Massachusetts, his son Christopher Gergen confirmed to his longtime network home CNN, adding that the cause of death was Lewy body dementia. Gergen 'was a dedicated public servant who put country above party — as well as a loved husband, father, and grandfather,' Christopher said in a statement. More from TVLine Julian McMahon Remembered by Charmed's Alyssa Milano, Nip/Tuck's Dylan Walsh and Others Julian McMahon, Nip/Tuck, Charmed and FBI: Most Wanted Star, Dead at 56 Michael Madsen, Star of Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill, Dead at 67 Gergen served in the U.S. Navy before beginning his political career as an assistant to the speechwriters for President Richard Nixon, eventually writing speeches for Nixon himself. He served as director of communications for Nixon's successor Gerald Ford and later served in the same role in Ronald Reagan's administration. He returned to the White House in 1993 as an advisor to President Bill Clinton. He made the move to television in the mid-1980s, appearing as a political commentator on PBS' MacNeil/Lehrer News Hour. He later became a staple of CNN's election night coverage, serving as the cable news network's senior political analyst and offering commentary as election results were tallied. In 2008, he won a Peabody Award as part of CNN's election coverage team. He also worked as the chief editor of U.S. News and World Report and was the founding director of the Center for Public Leadership at Harvard's Kennedy School. TV Stars We Lost in 2025 View Gallery47 Images Best of TVLine 'Missing' Shows, Found! Get the Latest on Ahsoka, Monarch, P-Valley, Sugar, Anansi Boys and 25+ Others Yellowjackets Mysteries: An Up-to-Date List of the Series' Biggest Questions (and Answers?) The Emmys' Most Memorable Moments: Laughter, Tears, Historical Wins, 'The Big One' and More
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
CNN Political Analyst David Gergen Dead at 83
David Gergen, who transitioned from a career in Washington as a presidential advisor to a role on CNN as a political analyst, has died at the age of 83. Gergen died Thursday at a retirement home in Lexington, Massachusetts, his son Christopher Gergen confirmed to his longtime network home CNN, adding that the cause of death was Lewy body dementia. Gergen 'was a dedicated public servant who put country above party — as well as a loved husband, father, and grandfather,' Christopher said in a statement. More from TVLine Julian McMahon Remembered by Charmed's Alyssa Milano, Nip/Tuck's Dylan Walsh and Others Julian McMahon, Nip/Tuck, Charmed and FBI: Most Wanted Star, Dead at 56 Michael Madsen, Star of Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill, Dead at 67 Gergen served in the U.S. Navy before beginning his political career as an assistant to the speechwriters for President Richard Nixon, eventually writing speeches for Nixon himself. He served as director of communications for Nixon's successor Gerald Ford and later served in the same role in Ronald Reagan's administration. He returned to the White House in 1993 as an advisor to President Bill Clinton. He made the move to television in the mid-1980s, appearing as a political commentator on PBS' MacNeil/Lehrer News Hour. He later became a staple of CNN's election night coverage, serving as the cable news network's senior political analyst and offering commentary as election results were tallied. In 2008, he won a Peabody Award as part of CNN's election coverage team. He also worked as the chief editor of U.S. News and World Report and was the founding director of the Center for Public Leadership at Harvard's Kennedy School. TV Stars We Lost in 2025 View Gallery47 Images Best of TVLine 'Missing' Shows, Found! Get the Latest on Ahsoka, Monarch, P-Valley, Sugar, Anansi Boys and 25+ Others Yellowjackets Mysteries: An Up-to-Date List of the Series' Biggest Questions (and Answers?) The Emmys' Most Memorable Moments: Laughter, Tears, Historical Wins, 'The Big One' and More
