John McLaughlin dead at 89, hosted 'The McLaughlin Group' since 1982

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS ^ | Tuesday, August 16, 2016, 8:58 PM | http://www.nydailynews.com/authors?author=Don-Kaplan

[Mr. K]

John McLaughlin, the stalwart political commentator who created television’s “McLaughlin Group,” died Tuesday at his home in Virginia. He was 89.

His death came less than two days after he missed the first episode of his show in 34 years.

“As a former Jesuit priest, teacher, pundit and news host, John touched many lives,” the show’s producers wrote on Facebook.

“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.”

[Mr. K]

No word on how long he will continue to vote Democrat

[ifinnegan]

Bye bye.

(Sorry, had to do it).

[Nailbiter]

I thought he died last year

[Bullish]

The show died 25 yrs ago.

[Ken H]

He had a good run.

RIP

[nathanbedford]

In keeping with my belief that historic figures should be judged in the context of their times and not judged under currently fashionable standards of political correctness, I regard John McLachlan as an important figure in the evolution of opinion making and popularizing.

He came on the scene seven years before we would be exposed to the fresh breeze of opinion delivered by Rush Limbaugh which would revolutionize the popularization of conservative opinion. But I recall being captivated the first time I saw The McLachlan Group as a really fast-paced, review of topical issues. If there was a weakness in the show, apart from its tendency to reflect establishment opinion, was its superficiality in terms of its handling of topics. The show was always far more interested in inside baseball than it was in the rules of the game. In other words, it covered the horse race much better than it covered substance and foundational principles involved in the war of conservatism against liberalism.

Yet, in the context of the time, it was hard-hitting and gave conservatism, best expressed by the voice of Pat Buchanan, at least a chance to be heard.

[johnthebaptistmoore]

You beat me to it.

[BradyLS]

I remember watching The McLaughlin Group pretty regularly in the late 80’s/early 90’s and Dana Carvey’s SNL skits of them. The show was great fun but the liberals even then were plain face-palm nuts.

[gigster]

He was must see TV on Sunday afternoons for me with the exception of the shrill Eleanor Clift. However, I liked Mort Zuckerman. RIP John McG.

[sauropod]

Rest in peace, John.

You were an icon for those that pay attention...

[sauropod]

Agree.

...but they could have done without that Eleanor Clift broad.

[miss marmelstein]

She was awful! But Pat Buchanan was great. I remember Clarence Page, too. And McLaughlin ran the show like a teaching priest - funny and tough.

Buh-buh!

Yes, had to do it!

[Oratam]

The fact that he intentionally chose someone as unlikeable as Eleanor Clift to be the standard bearer of liberalism gives you some idea of what position he intended to discredit.

R.I.P.

[nuconvert]

Passed by his show a few weeks ago - he looked ancient.
RIP

[E. Pluribus Unum]

According to Rush Limbaugh her full name is Eleanor Rodham Clift.

[DrPretorius]

“As a former Jesuit priest...”

Well, that explains his left liberalism, right there.

[MichaelCorleone]

“In keeping with my belief that historic figures should be judged in the context of their times and not judged under currently fashionable standards of political correctness,...”

You’re right - that’s EXACTLY how people should be judged, or assessed, as some people prefer to put it.

Very good point.

[Jmouse007]

Thank you Mr. McLaughlin for focusing on the issues of the day and for increasing my interest in politics and the political system.

Good bye and "Thanks for the memories." While we may not have agreed on a number of things, as another person posted your show was in part a precursor to RUSH.

May God comfort Mr. McLaughlin's family in their loss, in Jesus name, amen

[MNnice]

The youngest person on that show had to be at least 80.

[pepsionice]

You know....if you could keep Pat Buchanan limited to two minutes of straight talk and then cut him off....you got a dozen 3x5 cards of information and wisdom handed to you. But the more he talks...you feel like you are in some 9-hour seminar and just too much information.