Jules Witcover, Creator of 'Politics Today,' Dies at 98

A Legacy of Political Commentary

Jules Witcover, a prominent figure in American political journalism, passed away at the age of 98. His daughter, Amy Witcover-Sandford, confirmed the news. Witcover was known for his sharp insights and strong opinions, which he shared through his widely syndicated daily column.

The Column That Shaped Opinions

For 24 years, Witcover co-wrote the "Politics Today" column with Jack Germond, a partnership that brought him into the spotlight. The column began at The Washington Star and later moved to The Baltimore Sun. After Germond's retirement in 2001, Witcover continued writing the column solo for another five years. This platform allowed him to express his views on politicians, making it clear who he supported and who he criticized.

A Career Spanning Multiple Outlets

Witcover’s work extended beyond the column. He covered the political beat for several major publications, including Newhouse News Service, The Los Angeles Times, and The Washington Post. In addition to his journalistic work, he contributed to books and magazines such as The New Republic, Saturday Review, and The Nation. His career gave him a front-row seat to significant historical events, some of which were deeply tragic.

Witnessing History

One of the most poignant moments in Witcover’s career was when he witnessed the aftermath of President John F. Kennedy's assassination in 1963. He saw Robert F. Kennedy comforting Jackie Kennedy at the president's grave. Five years later, in 1968, he was present at the scene of RFK's shooting in Los Angeles, where he saw the candidate bleeding on the floor. This experience inspired him to write about RFK's brief presidential campaign in his book "85 Days."

The Dynamic of Collaboration

Witcover and Germond had a unique dynamic, often playing the roles of good cop and bad cop. They would sometimes blame each other for controversial columns, but they also supported one another when necessary. Witcover described their collaboration as "playing duet pianos in the house of ill repute called political writing." Their partnership was documented in Timothy Crouse’s book "Boys on the Bus," which chronicled the experiences of reporters covering the 1972 presidential election.

A Widespread Influence

At its peak, the "Politics Today" column was syndicated in approximately 140 newspapers and ran five times a week. This reach allowed Witcover to influence public opinion and shape the discourse around politics in America.

Criticizing the Iraq War

In his later years, Witcover became a vocal critic of the Iraq War, particularly under President George W. Bush. He described the war as "the most wrong-headed foreign policy in my lifetime and the most dangerous." Although The Sun did not drop his column due to this stance, the newspaper also opposed the war, albeit less strongly. Witcover expressed his views on the war's impact in an article for the Poynter Institute’s blog, emphasizing its devastating consequences.

Early Life and Education

Born in Union City, New Jersey, Witcover was raised Catholic, despite his Jewish father and Catholic mother. From an early age, he showed a passion for writing. In his memoirs, he recounted how he and a cousin created a one-page family newspaper on Thanksgiving, which they sold for a nickel.

A high school classmate encouraged him to apply to Columbia University, where he attended for a semester before joining the Navy. After the war, he returned to Columbia and earned a master's degree from the graduate school of journalism.

A Journey Through Journalism

Witcover's early career included a brief stint with a Boston newspaper, where he was set to cover the Boston Braves in spring training. However, the team moved to Milwaukee before he could start, ending the opportunity. By 1962, he had become a senior correspondent and chief political writer for the Newhouse News Service.

Personal Life and Lasting Impact

Witcover lived in Washington with his second wife, Marion Elizabeth Rodgers, a biographer of journalist H.L. Mencken. His first marriage, which lasted nearly four decades, ended in divorce.

Colleagues remembered Witcover as one of the hardest-working journalists they knew. Walter Mears, a former chief political writer for The Associated Press, noted that Witcover was always writing, even on the road. "On the road, you could hear him banging the typewriter before dawn, working on one of his books," Mears said. "He never stopped writing columns and political histories long after most of us had retired."