The political and media worlds are mourning the loss of David Gergen, who died on Friday at the age of 83 due to Lewy body dementia.
Gergen, who served in various capacities during both Republican and Democratic administrations between the 1970s and 1990s, was more well-known for his role in TV punditry, especially at CNN, where he was the network’s senior political analyst.
The two-time Peabody Award winner offered sharp political analysis and was a frequent guest on CNN programming, including Anderson Cooper 360 and Erin Burnett OutFront, and was part of the network’s election team.
“David Gergen was a beloved member of the CNN family—always happy to share his wisdom and his spotlight with others,” the network said in a statement. “A political scholar who served four presidents of both parties, an adoring father and dedicated husband, a senior statesman in every sense of the word, and a tireless educator. But above all else, David was a relentlessly kind and warm person. David brought the same level of excellence and care to his role at CNN that he did to all aspects of his life. Our staff, contributors, and audiences are better informed because of his towering influence. We will never forget the lessons in compassion and humility that he taught us. Our thoughts are with David’s wife, Anne, and his children, Katherine and Christopher.”
Newsers from within CNN and outside mourned and celebrated Gregen’s passing with on-air and social media tributes.
.@tomforemancnn & @ErinBurnett with a segment on the remarkable career of Presidential Advisor David Gergen
7.11.25 758pm ET pic.twitter.com/IylvkkjmPg
— Jeff Storobinsky (@JeffStorobinsky) July 12, 2025
We lost a good one, a really good one – RIP, my friend David Gergen, Washington Veteran Who Advised Four Presidents, Dies at 83 https://t.co/GmBIcSGmiz via @NYTimes
— Harold Ford, Jr. (@HaroldFordJr) July 11, 2025
“The idea that he served four different presidents is mind-boggling… it speaks to the talent and the insights that he had”: CNN Chief Political Analyst @davidaxelrod remembers David Gergen, who passed away at the age of 83. pic.twitter.com/CrzPE5v8xB
— Anderson Cooper 360° (@AC360) July 12, 2025
My final conversation with David Gergen @JFKLibraryFdn https://t.co/nGQNmJUjOM
— Robert Costa (@costareports) July 11, 2025
David Gergen, Washington Veteran Who Advised Four Presidents, Dies at 83 – The New York Times
One of my friends. His voice. His wisdom. His clarity. May his memory be a blessing https://t.co/5U8oPaWVm6
— Bakari Sellers (@Bakari_Sellers) July 11, 2025
I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of the great David Gergen. David and I shared so many thoughtful conversations over the years.
He was so generous with his time and energy. David was a rare breed in American politics. Trusted by both parties for his sage advice and… https://t.co/CbILx3f25D
— Jim Acosta (@Acosta) July 11, 2025
Jake Tapper pays tribute to David Gergen pic.twitter.com/y66G7IYisC
— The Lead CNN (@TheLeadCNN) July 11, 2025
Sad to learn of the passing of David Gergen – a man of intellect, service and decency, and one of my all-time favorite contributors on CNN.
“We must hold onto the inspirational moments of our history,” he said, “and use them to light our path forward.”
🙏🏽
amp.cnn.com/cnn/2025/07/…
— Kristie Lu Stout ✌🏽 (@klustout.bsky.social) July 11, 2025 at 6:19 PM
RIP David Gergen. A great man, generous co-panelist and terrific teacher about all things political. May his memory be a blessing.
— Gloria Borger (@GloriaBorger) July 11, 2025
We lost David Gergen this week. He served 4 POTUSs of BOTH parties and as a distinguished editor & commentator, who offered wisdom & insight, not clickbait bile. David treated everyone he met w/kindness & grace. May his memory be a blessing…and example! https://t.co/FQe1aEfRBP
— David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) July 12, 2025
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of my friend and colleague David Gergen.
David was the first person I ever interviewed as a young college journalist. I couldn’t believe when years later, I was a working journalist and we would sit on sets together at CNN.
He was a…
— Abby D. Phillip (@abbydphillip) July 11, 2025
May his memory be a blessing… to an old friend and colleague. Sitting in the green room or on a set with David Gergen, you always learned something. Our best to his son Christopher and the whole family.
www.cnn.com/2025/07/11/p…
— Jamie Gangel (@jamiegangel.bsky.social) July 11, 2025 at 5:32 PM