Charles Krauthammer
Full Name and Common Aliases
Charles Krauthammer was a prominent American political commentator, columnist, and physician. He was often referred to simply as "Krauthammer" in political and media circles.
Birth and Death Dates
Charles Krauthammer was born on March 13, 1950, and passed away on June 21, 2018.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Krauthammer was an American national. His professional life was marked by a diverse career as a political commentator, columnist, author, and psychiatrist. He was best known for his incisive analysis and commentary on political issues, which earned him a significant following and respect across the political spectrum.
Early Life and Background
Charles Krauthammer was born in New York City to Jewish parents who had emigrated from Europe. His father, a real estate developer, and his mother, a homemaker, instilled in him a strong sense of education and cultural awareness. The family moved to Montreal, Canada, when Krauthammer was five years old, where he attended McGill University. He graduated with a degree in political science and economics, showcasing his early interest in the political arena.
Krauthammer's academic journey took a significant turn when he enrolled at Harvard Medical School. During his first year, a tragic diving accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. Despite this life-altering event, Krauthammer's determination and resilience shone through as he returned to his studies and graduated as a psychiatrist.
Major Accomplishments
Charles Krauthammer's career was marked by numerous accomplishments that spanned both medicine and media. After completing his medical training, he worked as a chief resident in psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital. However, his passion for politics and writing led him to transition into journalism.
Krauthammer's major breakthrough came when he joined The New Republic as a writer and editor. His sharp intellect and articulate writing quickly gained attention, leading to his role as a speechwriter for Vice President Walter Mondale during the Carter administration. In 1985, he began writing a weekly column for The Washington Post, which would become one of his most influential platforms. His work earned him the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 1987, solidifying his reputation as a leading voice in American political discourse.
Notable Works or Actions
Krauthammer's body of work includes a wide array of columns, essays, and books that have left a lasting impact on political thought. His book, "Things That Matter: Three Decades of Passions, Pastimes and Politics," became a New York Times bestseller and offered readers a comprehensive look at his views on various issues.
As a commentator, Krauthammer was a regular panelist on Fox News' "Special Report with Bret Baier," where his insights and analysis were highly regarded. His ability to dissect complex political situations and present them in a clear, concise manner made him a sought-after voice in media.
Impact and Legacy
Charles Krauthammer's impact on political commentary and journalism is profound. His ability to bridge the gap between conservative and liberal ideologies allowed him to engage with a broad audience. Krauthammer's work often transcended partisan lines, earning him respect from individuals across the political spectrum.
His legacy is characterized by his unwavering commitment to intellectual honesty and rigorous analysis. Krauthammer's columns and commentary continue to be referenced and studied by those seeking to understand the intricacies of American politics and international relations.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Charles Krauthammer is widely quoted and remembered for his eloquent and insightful commentary on political and social issues. His ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity and precision made his work accessible to a wide audience. Krauthammer's quotes often encapsulate profound truths about human nature, governance, and the challenges facing society.
His legacy as a commentator who valued reasoned debate and intellectual rigor ensures that his words continue to resonate with readers and thinkers. Krauthammer's contributions to political discourse have left an indelible mark, making him a revered figure whose insights remain relevant in contemporary discussions.
In summary, Charles Krauthammer's life and work exemplify the power of resilience, intellect, and the pursuit of truth. His contributions to journalism and political commentary have left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and inform.
Quotes by Charles Krauthammer
Charles Krauthammer's insights on:
If you control one house of Congress, you cannot abolish something like Obamacare, no matter how much pressure you apply.
In retrospect, the populist panic may have been overblown. Regarding Brexit, for example, the shock exaggerated its meaning. Because it was so unexpected, it became a sensation.
In the end, what brings civilizations down is when the elites lose confidence in the rightness of their cause.
I am grateful to have played a small role in the conversations that have helped guide this extraordinary nation's destiny.
There was once a philosopher who said, 'I don't believe in God, but I fear him greatly.' That's about where I am.
Trump's relentless public humiliation of Attorney General Jeff Sessions was clearly intended to get him to resign.
For every moment of triumph, there is an unequal and opposite feeling of despair. Take that iconic photograph of Muhammad Ali standing triumphantly over the prostrate, semiconscious wreckage of Sonny Liston. Great photo. Now think of Liston. Do the pleasure/pain calculus.
Baseball is a slow, boring, complex, cerebral game that doesn't lend itself to histrionics. You 'take in' a baseball game, something odd to say about a football or basketball game, with the clock running and the bodies flying.
The way that Trump spoke about the outside world was the most aggressive, most hyper-nationalist, and in some ways most hostile of any inaugural address I think since the Second World War.
I don't think the West needs to apologize - or pay - for having invented the steam engine.