Free Republic

Excerpt - Columnist Mary McGrory, a major figure in 20th-century American journalism, a writer of lasting influence, exquisite technique, liberal convictions, a contempt for phonies and a love of orphans and delphiniums, died last night at George Washington University Hospital. A hospital spokeswoman declined to give the cause of death.

I am headed out this week for my 12th presidential campaign, but unlike the first 11, I will not have the company of my favorite traveling companion, Mary McGrory. The great liberal columnist, surely the most elegant newspaper writer Americans have read over the past half-century, has been ill since last March and recently accepted the generous buyout offer given to veteran employees by The Post. Incomprehensible as it seems, she has finished her journalistic career. Traveling the campaign trail with McGrory was an experience like no other. When I had the good fortune to be hired in 1960 by...

If Al Gore can say goodbye to presidential politics on "60 Minutes," it's probably okay for Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina to say hello on the "Today" show. We hope, though, that it's not a trend. Seven in the morning is a bit early for shopping for a new leader, and not everybody can deal with the shrieks and giggles these dark dawns. Let us hope that the others in the clot of candidates at the starting gate will choose brighter hours. Edwards, a trial lawyer who made a fortune representing people suing corporations, wishes to be "a champion...