David Gergen

[phkrause]

David Richmond Gergen, a veteran of Washington politics and an adviser to four presidents in a career spanning decades in government, academia and media, died in Lexington, Mass., at 83.

• Gergen worked in the administrations of Presidents Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. Over the years, he served as a speechwriter, communications director and counselor to the president, among other roles, AP reports.

Gergen was praised by both the Republican and Democratic administrations he served. He was the adviser who came up with the closing argument that helped Reagan win over former President Carter: "Are you better off than you were four years ago?" Reagan's chief of staff, James A. Baker III, told The Washington Post in 1981. "He's the best conceptualizer, in terms of communications strategy, that we have."

• Former Vice President Al Gore posted on X: "Of the countless ways that David Gergen contributed to our great country, what I will remember him for most was his kindness to everyone he worked with, his sound judgment, and his devotion to doing good in the world."

Gergen was also a journalist, serving as a top editor and columnist at U.S. News & World Report as well as political analyst for CNN.

• He was the founding director of the Center for Public Leadership at Harvard's Kennedy School and remained there as professor of public service emeritus until his death.

💡 In his 2022 bestseller, "Hearts Touched with Fire: How Great Leaders are Made," Gergen wrote about leaders:

 

"The very finest among them make the difficult calls that can ultimately alter the course of history. Through courage and character, they motivate others to follow their lead; one single person can inspire the masses to act, to change the world for the better."

NYT obit (gift link).

[Rahab]

I liked this guy.  He made sense.

[Joe Knapp]

He was a member of Bohemian Grove.

[Rahab]

On 7/19/2025 at 4:53 AM, Joe Knapp said:

He was a member of Bohemian Grove.

Is it masonic?

[Joe Knapp]

No.  Much worse. 

Alex Jones is famous for sneaking in there with a camera. Others have also. 

Let's just say that we and they are on the other sides of this spiritual battle.