TV’s John McLaughlin dead at 89

Posted by | August 16, 2016 16:56 | Filed under: Politics

Republish
Reprint


The founder  and host of The McLaughlin Group has died at age 89.

The political commentator’s passing comes just days after he missed his first hosting of his eponymous syndicated public affairs program in more than 34 years.

“I am under the weather,” McLaughlin explained in a note that prefaced this past weekend’s telecast. His distinct, once-bellowing voice, heard in pre-taped intros, was “weaker than usual,” McLaughlin acknowledged. “Yet my spirit is strong and my dedication to the show remains absolute!”

…An ordained priest and holder of a PhD (in philosophy), McLaughlin taught high school at a Jesuit prep school before becoming a writer for a Jesuit current affairs publication. Some time after that, the Vietnam War opponent sought (but lost out on) a seat in the United States Senate. In 1974, he served as a speechwriter for President Richard Nixon, and in the 1980s wrote for National Review.

Click here for reuse options!
Copyright 2016 Liberaland
By: Alan

Alan Colmes is the publisher of Liberaland.

10 responses to TV’s John McLaughlin dead at 89

  1. LoisB August 16th, 2016 at 17:09

    Condolences to his family and friends.

  2. halfwayin August 16th, 2016 at 17:22

    I had trouble agreeing McLaughlin. But he always made me think.

    I saw the show last weekend and I noticed his absence.

    In one segment he did a voiceover about something and his voice sounds like a person who just survived a stroke..when the camera came back to his usual panel, you could see in their eyes they were saddened.

    Rest in peace.

  3. arc99 August 16th, 2016 at 17:30

    Once upon a time, his weekly show was required viewing for me.

    Back then, even Pat Buchanan sounded semi-reasonable most of the time. Another link to the past where conservatism was not synonymous with insanity is gone.

    RIP John and thanks for helping me develop my interest in politics and current affairs.

  4. robert August 16th, 2016 at 18:44

    who is that lady on the right talking to john alan ?

    https://youtu.be/AYgPQDdLPCs

  5. Um Cara August 16th, 2016 at 18:48

    R.I.P.

    His show was a fixture of my Sunday morning ritual starting my Freshman year of college.

    How will I know it’s thanksgiving without his annual ‘Gobble..Gobble..’ thanksgiving sign off?

  6. Mike August 16th, 2016 at 22:12

    Great political commentary when he had his TV show…always had great guests. He could twist a point 20 different ways til Wednesday

  7. oldfart August 17th, 2016 at 00:48

    So sad, another sunday show that was worth watching will be gone.
    He often annoyed me but he did keep it honest.

  8. Mike N. August 17th, 2016 at 09:13

    He will be missed! His red plaid jacket he wore during the new years predictions show should be in the Smithsonian, along with the coffee table from the set.

    Loved when Dana Carvey did him:

    http://www.hulu.com/watch/283019

    http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/mclaughlin-group/n9987

Leave a Reply