David Gergen
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.
Dec 22, 2008
Charisma was a great asset for both John Kennedy and Ronald Reagan in their governing both here and abroad. But it can raise expectations.
Dec 22, 2008
When an outsider can so easily penetrate his privacy, how easy is it going to be an outsider to penetrate his security?
Dec 22, 2008
That's what comes with being, you know, when people begin to think you're Obama, you could change everything.
Dec 21, 2008
Well, I think first of all, there's a lot of responsibility that rests with Washington and passing a plan that really did not have these accountability provisions in it.
Dec 21, 2008
To be fair, a lot of these bonuses were in 2007 before everything hit the fan. But even so, they have been living at the trough and -- for so heavily so long that that's what's caused this huge negative reaction and why the public is so…
Dec 21, 2008
I think for most of the country, this Rick Warren issue is fading. In the gay and lesbian community, there's no question it has left a deep wound.
Dec 18, 2008
If you look at the totality of what he now faces, he's got to make decisions for about -- over a trillion dollars in new government spending and commitments in the next 90 days.
Dec 18, 2008
It does build confidence across the board. And look, he's got these huge problems ahead, but he also has the support now of about 70 percent more of the public who really want to see him do well.
Dec 18, 2008
Not unless he wanted to go home as Herbert Hoover on Christmas Eve, he had no choice.
Politicians like David Gergen
