John McLaughlin, a widely respected political commentator who hosted The McLaughlin Group since 1982, died on Tuesday at his home in Virginia.
He was 89 years old.
The sad news came just days after McLaughlin missed his first hosting of his eponymous syndicated public affairs program in over 34 years.
In his place on Sunday, veteran panelist Pat Buchanan took over hosting duties.
“I am under the weather,” McLaughlin explained in a message that prefaced this past weekend’s broadcast.
McLaughlin acknowledged at the time that his distinct, typically-bellowing voice heard in pre-taped intros, was “weaker than usual… yet my spirit is strong and my dedication to the show remains absolute!”
Of that, no viewer ever had any doubt.
The official Facebook account for The McLaughlin Group confirmed its leader’s passing with the following note:
“Earlier this morning, a beloved friend and mentor, Dr. John McLaughlin, passed away peacefully at the age of 89.
“As a former jesuit priest, teacher, pundit and news host, John touched many lives. For 34 years, The McLaughlin Group informed millions of Americans.
“Now he has said bye bye for the last time, to rejoin his beloved dog, Oliver, in heaven. He will always be remembered.”
McLaughlin held a Ph.D from Columbia University and created his popular syndicated political commentary program in 1982.
Airing on PBS, it featured McLaughlin leading a panel discussion of serious political and social issues.
“John McLaughlin was one of the most original and appealing television commentators of our time,” said Mortimer B. Zuckerman, Chairman and Publisher of The Daily News, who served as a regular panelist on the show.
Zuckerman added:
“The liveliness of The McLaughlin Group was a reflection of his unique personality as well as his keen intellect, which helped to cover and uncover the numerous landscapes of opinions that steered his listeners to make qualified decisions.
“I was privileged to spend many hours talking with John, on and off his show; his friendship and intelligence will be sorely missed, not only by me, but also by his many listeners, colleagues, family and friends.”
McLaughlin worked as a speechwriter for President Richard Nixon and was parodied by Saturday Night Live (the highest form of a compliment, really) on multiple occasions for his serious and brash on-air personality.
We send our condolences to those who knew him well.
