LEGENDARY Political Reporter DEAD – Era ENDS

The death of legendary political journalist Jules Witcover at 98 marks the end of an era when reporters actually held politicians accountable instead of serving as partisan cheerleaders for the establishment.

Story Overview

Jules Witcover, co-author of the influential “Politics Today” column, died August 16, 2025, at age 98
His five-decade career covered every major election from Eisenhower through Biden, witnessing pivotal moments like RFK’s assassination
Witcover represented old-school journalism that prioritized factual reporting over political activism
His partnership with Jack Germond produced one of America’s most respected political analysis columns for nearly 30 years

Career Spanning America’s Political Transformation

Witcover began his Washington reporting career in 1954 with Newhouse Newspapers, covering every presidential election from the Eisenhower administration through the Biden years. His eyewitness account of Robert F. Kennedy’s 1968 assassination became a defining moment that shaped his approach to political journalism. Unlike today’s activist reporters, Witcover built his reputation on direct observation and historical context rather than ideological advocacy.

If you’re too young to remember that most turbulent time, Witcover’s “1968 The Year The Dream Died” is the best explanation of what happened that year that I’ve ever read. I was 14 then, and it was a very frightening period in our history. Great read. RIP. https://t.co/X5XX6lti33

— Howie Rose (@HowieRose) August 19, 2025

The “Politics Today” Legacy

From 1977 to 2000, Witcover’s collaboration with Jack Germond on the nationally syndicated “Politics Today” column established them as influential voices in American political discourse. Their work appeared in major publications including the Baltimore Sun, Washington Post, and Los Angeles Times. The column’s success stemmed from their commitment to factual accuracy and analytical depth, qualities increasingly rare in modern political journalism that prioritizes narrative over truth.

Author and Historical Chronicler

Beyond his column writing, Witcover authored over 20 books examining American politics and history. His works included comprehensive studies of the vice presidency and detailed accounts of presidential campaigns. These publications served as authoritative references for political historians and journalists, demonstrating the value of institutional memory in understanding political developments. His final column in 2023 defended Joe Biden, showing his continued engagement with contemporary politics until near the end of his life.

End of Traditional Political Journalism

Witcover’s death symbolizes the passing of a generation of journalists who viewed their role as informing rather than influencing public opinion. His career bridged the transformation from print-dominated media to the digital age, maintaining standards of accuracy and objectivity that seem antiquated in today’s polarized media landscape. His papers, preserved at the Briscoe Center for American History, represent a treasure trove of authentic political reporting from an era when journalism served democracy rather than partisan interests.

Witcover is survived by his wife Marion Elizabeth Rodgers and daughter Amy Witcover-Sandford. His Georgetown home, where he died peacefully, had been his base for decades of Washington political coverage that shaped public understanding of American democracy.