THE LOSS OF A POLITICAL PATRIOT

Dave Gergen served his country well

David Gergen, a prominent figure in American politics, journalism and the academy, for more than a half century, was a model of civility, a virtue in short supply in today's politics.
Gergen, who died at 83, served four Presidents from Richard Nixon to Bill Clinton. He also was an editor, columnist, commentator and University Professor.
In each role, Gergen championed deceny, serious political discourse, and developing relations and policies across partisan lines. Philosophically he was a moderate conservative, willing to listen to differing views.
He was an eternal optimist, even in the era of Trump, who was anathema to all he stood for.
Still near the end of his life he continued to express confidence that American politics will transition back from these painful times. This was conveyed in conversations with friends and a column written by his his daughter.
David was a nice man who respected and was respected by those you would wish to be respected by. For all his accomplishments and high positions, I still associate him as Democrat Mark Shields' sparring partner in the 80s on the PBS NewsHour.
Shields, the liberal and Gergen, the conservative, had spirited debates over Ronald Reagan's policies. But with their mutual respect, a shared appreciation of the importance of politics and public life -- and Shields irrepressible humor -- they were much more warm colleagues than political rivals.
When Mark died three years ago David flew down from Boston --he was a Harvard professor --to eulogize his old friend.
There is little space today for a David Gergen, at least in his native Republican party.
That's a huge loss for the country.