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.
George Bush is going to give you something that looks like it's doing better. You know, Colin Powell has long argued this is like putting a lid on a pot. The American presidency is like putting a lid on a pot, and you can keep it on simmer…
Hillary Clinton long ago predicted that the Republican attack machine would crank up against Obama. And she's been proven business right.
What it tells me is that Barack Obama and his team need to take a fresh look at the prospect of Hillary Clinton being his vice president.
It was Hillary Clinton who had long ago predicted that the Republican attack machine would crank up against Obama and she's been proven absolutely right.
It would help to have two of the best fighters in the game, to have the Clintons right there at your side.
If you're the Democrat, you come in there, you commit to getting out. You start taking the lid off that pot. If it starts overflowing, erupting, and you suddenly become the candidate, the president who lost the war.
John McCain is finding his voice; the Republicans have found an issue. This offshore drilling, as your poll revealed, is popular in the country, two to one in the CNN poll a favorite.
I think they may come closer on that. And because Obama is walking a very fine line himself and that is he wants to be plausible while not being presumptuous.
Obama has become a rock star. And they want him to sort of make him to be someone who's not just a rock star, but sort of an elitist who's not like the rest of us.
John McCain is finding his voice. The Republicans have found an issue. This offshore drilling, as your poll revealed, is popular in the country -- 2-1 in the CNN poll favor it. And, so, that's why John McCain's pushing it so far -- so hard.
I think these charges about not visiting a military hospital are just bunk and impugning Barack Obama's patriotism is unwise and dangerous.
Politicians like David Gergen
