David Gergen, Former Advisor to Four Presidents, Passes Away at 83

David Gergen, who served as an advisor to four U.S. presidents—Nixon, Ford, Reagan, and Clinton—has died at 83. He passed away on July 10th in a Massachusetts nursing home, as reported by various outlets.

His son shared that Gergen had been suffering from dementia in recent years.

Tributes Pour In

Many took to social media to express their condolences. Maria Shriver, the former First Lady of California, shared her thoughts, while CBS reporter Robert Costa offered his condolences as well.

Former Congressman Harold Ford Jr. also acknowledged Gergen’s impact, recalling how Gergen had crafted a significant line for Reagan during the 1980 election: “Are you better off than you were four years ago?” Gergen reflected on the power of rhetorical questions, emphasizing their importance.

Career Highlights

During his time in the Nixon administration, Gergen later described his experience as “emotionally very difficult,” admitting that he had been naive. After leaving public service, he held various roles, including being an editor, columnist, and working with both the conservative American Enterprise Institute and the liberal Kennedy School at Harvard. He also served as a commentator for major networks like PBS, CNN, and NPR.

In 1981, Reagan’s Chief of Staff, James A. Baker III, remarked on Gergen’s influence, stating, “To say I rely on him is an understatement.”