A Life of Influence and Insight
David Gergen, a veteran political commentator and White House advisor to four former U.S. presidents, passed away on July 10 at a Massachusetts retirement community. He was 83 years old. His son, Christopher, confirmed the news to The Washington Post and The New York Times, sharing that his father died from Lewy body dementia, a brain disorder that affects thinking, memory, and movement.
Gergen had a long and distinguished career in politics and media. As a Harvard professor and senior analyst for CNN, he provided insightful commentary based on his experiences working in the White House under Republican Presidents Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, and Democrat Bill Clinton. His expertise made him a trusted voice in American politics for decades.
Born in North Carolina, Gergen was married to Anne Elizabeth Gergen, an English family therapist, since 1967. Together, they raised two children and five grandchildren. Their son is a social entrepreneur and Duke University faculty member, while their daughter, Katherine, works as a family doctor at Boston Medical Center.
A Legacy of Leadership and Scholarship
Gergen’s career spanned multiple fields, including law, public service, and education. He graduated with honors from Yale and Harvard Law School and later received 27 honorary degrees throughout his career. He was an attorney licensed with the D.C. Bar, a U.S. Navy veteran, and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the U.S. executive committee for the Trilateral Commission.
In addition to his political work, Gergen was an accomplished author. He wrote two books: “Eyewitness to Power: The Essence of Leadership from Nixon to Clinton” (2001) and “Hearts Touched with Fire: How Great Leaders Are Made” (2022). In his latest book, he discussed the challenges facing America, emphasizing the need for strong leaders to guide the nation through turbulent times.
A Career in Journalism and Public Service
Gergen began his career as a journalist in 1984, working for MacNeil-Lehrer NewsHour on PBS. Later in the decade, he served as editor-in-chief of U.S. News & World Report. He went on to become a public affairs commentator for three decades, with many Americans recognizing him as a longtime talking head on CNN.
His work earned him two Emmy Awards for political analysis and two Peabody Awards for his contributions to election coverage teams. Gergen was also involved in various non-profit organizations, including serving on the boards of Yale and Duke Universities, the New Profit, and the leadership council of New Politics. In 2017, he co-founded and co-chaired With Honor, a group focused on promoting bipartisan legislation and electing principled veterans.
Reflections on Presidents
In his book “Eyewitness to Power,” Gergen shared his insights on the presidents he worked with, offering a unique perspective on their leadership styles and personal qualities.
On Richard Nixon, he described him as “the most fascinating man I have met in thirty years of public life,” noting that Nixon had “it all and kicked it away.”
Regarding Gerald Ford, Gergen believed the public image of him as a bumbling leader was unfair. He noted that those who worked closely with Ford knew he was more intelligent and physically graceful than the press portrayed.
On Ronald Reagan, Gergen praised his confidence and clarity of purpose, calling him “serene” and “comfortable in his own skin.”
With regard to Bill Clinton, Gergen highlighted the contradictions in his character, acknowledging both his intelligence and his missteps.
Understanding Lewy Body Dementia
Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a progressive form of dementia and the second most common type after Alzheimer’s disease. It includes two forms: Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson’s disease dementia. According to Norma Loeb, founder of the Lewy Body Dementia Resource Center, individuals diagnosed with LBD may live between two to 20 years from diagnosis to death.
This condition affects cognitive function, motor skills, and behavior, making it a significant challenge for patients and caregivers alike. Gergen’s battle with this illness highlights the importance of ongoing research and support for those affected by neurodegenerative diseases.
