This week, the political and journalistic world was rocked by the news that columnist Charles Krauthammer had only weeks to live. The news came from Charles himself in a characteristically elegant and simple goodbye. I have been personally devastated by the news. I have known Charles for many years and there are few people who I respect more. He is truly one of the most brilliant and interesting individuals I have ever known.
A diehard Nationals fan, Charles and I would watch games together when my Cubs played his Nats. It was a running competition between us as our teams competed each year. Sitting with Charles at a game was one of my great pleasures. Every conversation (no matter the subject) with Charles had a profound and honest character. We would talk about our Dads, kids, politics, and most importantly baseball.
I will not say more at this time because I am still trying to get my mind right with the news. This town without Charles would simply not be the same place for me.
I wanted to share his letter with you in case you have not seen it. It is true and honest and direct . . . just like my friend Charles Krauthammer:
I have been uncharacteristically silent these past ten months. I had thought that silence would soon be coming to an end, but I’m afraid I must tell you now that fate has decided on a different course for me.In August of last year, I underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumor in my abdomen. That operation was thought to have been a success, but it caused a cascade of secondary complications – which I have been fighting in hospital ever since. It was along and hard fight with many setbacks, but I was steadily, if slowly, overcoming each obstacle along the way and gradually making my way back to health.However, recent tests have revealed that the cancer has returned. There was no sign of it as recently as a month ago, which means it is aggressive and spreading rapidly. My doctors tell me their best estimate is that I have only a few weeks left to live. This is the final verdict. My fight is over.I wish to thank my doctors and caregivers, whose efforts have been magnificent. My dear friends, who have given me a lifetime of memories and whose support has sustained me through these difficult months. And all of my partners at The WashingtonPost, Fox News, and Crown Publishing.Lastly, I thank my colleagues, my readers, and my viewers, who have made my career possible and given consequence to my life’s work. I believe that the pursuit of truth and right ideas through honest debate and rigorous argument is a noble undertaking. I am grateful to have played a small role in the conversations that have helped guide this extraordinary nation’s destiny.I leave this life with no regrets. It was a wonderful life — full and complete with the great loves and great endeavors that make it worth living. I am sad to leave, but I leave with the knowledge that I lived the life that I intended.
His honesty and commonality with all aspects of American culture will for me, be missed. To describe him…elegant, erudite, insightful, courageous…true as he saw it, and so honest in intent.
Reblogged this on The Inquiring Mind.
A brave man to face life until death comes.
Not a fan in the least, but this is just another tragic story in the life of a cancer patient. The suffering is long, intense, and far-reaching. The staggering extremes of hope and despair are enough to take anyone down, but the final debilitating pain and suffering that collapses into a spasm of death without a moment of clarity and humanity is amazingly cruel, and in my personal case, faith-shaking. No one deserves to meet their end in this fashion. His suffering will end, but I hope his loved ones will be able to make peace with their personal trauma in the even tougher weeks and months ahead.
Such sad news. A man who has back bone and integrity, in abundance.
A gentleman. Not many of those, still in existence.
It appears as if all the off-topic posts have been scrubbed from this tribute to Charles K. I can’t say that I wouldn’t have done the same thing. Nice touch. I disagreed with Charles K on many topics, but he (amongst the few erstwhile Republicans) had the fortitude, ethical foundation and honesty to call out the day glo bozo, his enablers, henchmen and minions.
No, only the most vicious and puerile remarks were removed.
Godspeed to a man who values ethics and discourse without the coarseness so prevalent today. While his political views are different than mine, he expressed his opinions with clarity and dignity. A true patriot, and a gentleman, to be sure…
Very sad news. CK would infuriate me sometimes but I never doubted his sincerity or depth of thought.
Charles can best be described as a public intellectual. They have frequently been criticized on many grounds. But not Charles. I think that he always sought Truth. He has integrity. He will be missed greatly.
OT Anthony Bourdain, RIP
I am so sad to hear this. I will miss Charles Krauthammer . . . Reading and listening to his take on things. . . His presence will be dearly missed. ❤️