Remembering Jules Witcover: A Pioneering Voice in Political Journalism

Jules Witcover, Renowned Political Columnist, Passes Away at 98

Washington, D.C. — Jules Witcover, a stalwart of American political journalism and co-author of one of the nation’s most influential political columns, “Politics Today,” has died at the age of 98. His daughter, Amy Witcover-Sandford, confirmed the news on Saturday.

Witcover’s career spanned nearly three decades, during which he collaborated with the late Jack Germond for 24 years. Their column, which began at The Washington Star and later moved to The Baltimore Sun, became a staple in approximately 140 newspapers, running five times a week at its peak. Known for his sharp opinions, Witcover left little doubt about his political allegiances, often praising some politicians while fiercely criticizing others.

Throughout his illustrious career, Witcover covered the political landscape for major outlets, including The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, and Newhouse News Service. His insights were not only confined to columns; he authored several books and contributed to prominent magazines like The New Republic and The Nation.

Witcover witnessed pivotal moments in American history, including the tragic assassination of Robert F. Kennedy. He vividly recalled the scene in 1968 when he rushed into a hotel kitchen to find Kennedy bleeding on the floor, a moment that would later inspire his book “85 Days,” chronicling RFK’s brief presidential campaign.

Reflecting on his partnership with Germond, Witcover described their dynamic as a “good cop/bad cop routine,” where they often took turns absorbing the backlash from politicians unhappy with their critiques. Their camaraderie was immortalized in Timothy Crouse’s classic “Boys on the Bus,” which detailed the lives of political reporters during the 1972 presidential election.

In his later years, Witcover became increasingly vocal about his opposition to the Iraq War, labeling it “the most wrong-headed foreign policy in my lifetime.” His critiques were sharp and unyielding, emphasizing the war’s devastating impact on both Iraq and the United States’ international reputation.

Born in Union City, New Jersey, to a Jewish father and a Catholic mother, Witcover’s early interest in writing was evident. He fondly recalled producing a family newspaper with a cousin during Thanksgiving, selling it for a nickel. After serving in the Navy, he returned to Columbia University, where he earned a master’s degree in journalism.

Witcover’s career took off in 1962 when he became a senior correspondent and chief political writer for the Newhouse News Service. He continued to work tirelessly, often seen typing away before dawn, as noted by fellow journalist Walter Mears, who praised Witcover as “the hardest working newsman I ever knew.”

He is survived by his second wife, Marion Elizabeth Rodgers, and a legacy that has left an indelible mark on political journalism. As the nation reflects on his contributions, Witcover’s voice will be remembered as one that shaped the discourse of American politics for generations.