The Public Record
David Gergen was an American political commentator and advisor who served in the administrations of four U.S. presidents, providing insights and guidance on various political matters. Born on May 9, 1942, in Massachusetts, Gergen held significant roles in both Republican and Democratic administrations, showcasing his ability to navigate the political landscape across party lines. He was also a professor of public service at Harvard University, where he influenced a new generation of leaders. In addition to his academic work, Gergen was a senior political analyst for CNN, contributing to public discourse on current events until his passing on July 10, 2025.
I think reasonable people can disagree about whether you put a mosque there, but I think a lot of people in this country would come together and say, 'Let's make something constructive out of this in which we can join up together and feel…
But, at the same time, the fact that two-thirds of New Yorkers, people who live in the city, told 'The New York Times' that they oppose it, and we see opposition in the country, the people opposing it are not bigots.
It seems to me that we might be able to work out some resolution where the imam would join up with a Christian leader and a Jewish leader and figure out how to make this a true interfaith center.
But at the same time, the fact that two-thirds of New Yorkers, people who live in the city, told 'The New York Times' that they oppose it, and we see opposition in the country. The people opposing it are not bigots.
Well, in the first place, he's not going to be able to get his liberal agenda through. That's just -- that's going to be finished.
Rand Paul in West Virginia, you know, we thought at one time that maybe he would be in trouble. He's opened up a double-digit lead there as a Tea Party candidate.
In the last two summers, the Democrats have lost control of the national message over the summer.
It certainly does. And you make one little mistake, and it can be amplified so quickly now through the Internet, that people are extra careful.
I think it's going to be really important that he give Hillary Clinton and George Mitchell, her negotiator, a lot of responsibility in these early months while he focuses on the economy.
President Obama promised he was going to bring troops home. In this way, he kept his promise. He deserves credit for that.
This was Barack Obama's argument for pulling out now. That if you set a deadline, things were going to happen.
Politicians like David Gergen
