Founder of the shouting panel discussion, John McLaughlin dies at 89
John McLaughlin, host of the respected public affairs show “The McLaughlin Group,” passed away at age 89 on Tuesday after complications from prostate cancer, according to Eleanor Clift, a journalist and colleague. McLaughlin had missed his first show in 34 years just days earlier.
The McLaughlin Group
McLaughlin was known for his feisty nature, his ability to pit liberals and conservatives in heated discussion and get a rapid-fire political argument, often ending with the host cutting people off abruptly to move on to other topics and panelists. His irascible style and shouts of “wrong!” helped usher in the contentious nature of 24/7 news opinion talk that dominates today’s airwaves.
McLaughlin and his boisterous New England-tinged voice had many people both love and loathe him, and Dana Carvey famously mimicked his program on Saturday Night Live in the early ’90s. Numerous stars and political wonks paid their respects on Twitter shortly after his passing was announced.
So sad to lose John McLaughlin @McLaughlinGroup. Gave so many of us start in TV punditry, including me. I was an irregular many years. #RIP
— Larry Kudlow (@larry_kudlow) August 16, 2016
RIP John McLaughlin. My parents made us watch him every week which made the SNL sketches all the sweeter.
— Seth Meyers (@sethmeyers) August 16, 2016
Very sad to learn John McLaughlin has died -- fascinating show, passionate guy.https://t.co/VNCfhR6MFC
— Ari Melber MSNBC (@AriMelber) August 16, 2016
Been watching @McLaughlinGroup group for years & thought @danacarvey's impersonation was spot on. RIP John McLaughlin. You will be missed
— Orlando Jones (@TheOrlandoJones) August 16, 2016
Sad news. We lost John McLaughlin this morning. I hear that he smiled before he passed. His final gift to us. RIP https://t.co/baM3bJ1gC2
— Clarence Page (@cptime) August 16, 2016
“The McLaughlin Group” debuted in April 1982, often in a two-against-two debate which would bleed into a conservative vs. liberal insult exchange. Early in his career, McLaughlin entered the priesthood as a Jesuit. He loved media and edited a Jesuit magazine and hosted television specials about timely issues.
In 1970, he unsuccessfully ran for the Senate as a Republican, then worked as a special assistant and speechwriter for presidents Nixon and Ford.
Aside from his “McLaughlin Group” hosting and producing duties, he was an editor for the National Review, writing a column called “From Washington Straight.” Lately, his show was featured as a video podcast.
McLaughlin certainly changed the landscape of broadcast punditry. With his confrontational style, he knew how to push buttons, and it was rumored that the arguments between the panelists often spilled over after the show was over. But McLaughlin was well versed in his subjects and knew that to be an entertaining and informative show, it couldn’t be boring. McLaughlin was certainly anything but dull.
On the McLaughlin Group Facebook page, this was posted:
“As a former Jesuit priest, teacher, pundit and news host, John touched many lives,” “McLaughlin Group” said in a statement posted on its Facebook page. “For 34 years, ‘The McLaughlin Group’ informed millions of Americans. Now he has said bye bye for the last time, to rejoin his beloved dog, Oliver, in heaven. He will always be remembered.”