David Gergen
David Gergen
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
David Russell Gergen is a renowned American public servant, commentator, and author.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on May 1, 1944, in Durham, North Carolina. He is still alive.
Nationality and Profession(s)
American
- Public Servant
- Commentator
- Author
- Journalist
- Former White House Adviser
- Professor Emeritus at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family of modest means, Gergen was exposed to the world of politics from an early age. His father, James Gergen, was a Democrat who ran for local office, while his mother, Ruth Gergen, taught school. David's interests in public service were encouraged by his parents, who instilled in him a strong sense of civic responsibility.
Gergen attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1966. He then served in the United States Army Reserve as an intelligence officer before pursuing graduate studies at Oxford University, where he earned a Master's degree in philosophy, politics, and economics in 1968.
Major Accomplishments
Gergen's impressive career spans over five decades, marked by numerous milestones:
Adviser to three U.S. Presidents: Richard Nixon (1971-1974), Gerald Ford (1974-1976), and Bill Clinton (1993-1997)
Director of Communications for the Reagan White House (1981-1985)
CNN's Senior Political Analyst from 2000 until his departure in 2019
Professor Emeritus at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, where he taught from 1974 to 1997 and again from 2002 to present
Notable Works or Actions
Gergen has written several books on politics, including:
1. Eyewitness to Power: The Essence of Leadership (2000)
2. Men at Work: The Craft of Politics, the Substance of Movement (1978)
In addition to his writings, Gergen has been involved in various initiatives aimed at promoting civic engagement and improving government effectiveness.
Impact and Legacy
Throughout his career, David Gergen has left an indelible mark on American politics. His commitment to public service, coupled with his expertise as a commentator and analyst, has made him a trusted voice in the nation's capital. As a seasoned observer of the White House, he has offered insightful commentary on significant events and policy decisions.
Gergen's legacy extends beyond his work in government and journalism. He has inspired generations of young people to pursue careers in public service, demonstrating that politics can be a noble calling.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
David Gergen is widely quoted and remembered for several reasons:
Influence: As a trusted adviser to three U.S. Presidents, he has played a key role in shaping policy decisions.
Expertise: His extensive experience as a commentator and analyst has earned him recognition as one of the nation's top experts on politics.
* Authenticity: Gergen is known for his straightforward and honest approach to politics, making him a respected voice in an era marked by polarization.
As a testament to his enduring impact, David Gergen continues to be sought after as a commentator and analyst. His dedication to public service serves as an inspiration to many, reminding us that even the smallest actions can have a lasting impact on our world.
Quotes by David Gergen
David Gergen's insights on:
If you’ve got some news that you don’t want to get noticed, put it out Friday afternoon 4:00 pm.
There is a cannibalism that’s loose in our society in which public figures such as the Clintons could try to come into this town and do something good for this country and then they get hammered away even though they’re trying to do the right thing.
At the heart of leadership is the leader’s relationship with followers. People will entrust their hopes and dreams to another person only if they think the other is a reliable vessel.
A leader’s role is to raise people’s aspirations for what they can become and to release their energies so they will try to get there.
You can slice and dice this thing any way you want, but I still think it's politically damaging for the administration.
You can second-guess this all you want ... but there's no question that the four days that elapsed that we had this mini-storm that blew up was embarrassing for the vice president and embarrassing for the president.
How in heaven's name can a nation with a $1 trillion surplus threaten so much scientific research so vital to its future?
I don't think there's any other president in the modern era that has seen this kind of stability.
If people stay that long, group-think can set in, and that's dangerous for a president.
I'm told by some people close to him that this will not be a Kerry-bashing speech. But he's not going to simply rally around Bush. Indeed it's going to be the story of an immigrant coming to this country and finding a country that's embraced him and a party that's embraced him.