A titan of American politics has passed, leaving behind a legacy of service across decades and administrations. His work shaped presidential rhetoric and leadership, sparking reflection on what true public service means in a divided era.

Summary

• David Gergen, advisor to four presidents, died at 83 from Lewy body dementia.
• Served Nixon, Ford, Reagan, and Clinton, bridging partisan divides.
• Crafted Reagan’s iconic 1980 debate line: “Are you better off?”
• Founded Harvard’s Center for Public Leadership, mentoring future leaders.
• Advocated for civility and bipartisanship.

A Life of Service Across Party Lines

David Gergen, a revered political strategist who advised Presidents Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton, passed away on July 10, 2025, at 83 in Lexington, Massachusetts, due to Lewy body dementia, his son Christopher confirmed. Gergen’s unparalleled career, spanning Republican and Democratic administrations, cemented his reputation as a bipartisan voice of reason. Starting as Nixon’s speechwriter in 1971, he rose to chief speechwriter, later serving as communications director for Ford and Reagan, and counselor to Clinton. 

“David was a principled leader of unmatched character, integrity, and kindness,” said Hannah Riley Bowles, former co-director of Harvard’s Center for Public Leadership, which Gergen founded.

Reagan’s Game-Changing Rhetoric

Gergen’s most enduring contribution came during the 1980 presidential election, when he crafted a pivotal line for Ronald Reagan’s debate against Jimmy Carter: “Are you better off than you were four years ago?” Amid soaring inflation and the Iran hostage crisis, the question resonated deeply, helping Reagan secure a landslide victory. 

“Rhetorical questions have great power,” Gergen later reflected, according to the Daily Caller. He viewed Reagan’s ability to connect with Americans as a masterclass in leadership, a principle he championed throughout his career. His time with Nixon, however, was more sobering. 

“I was young, and I was too naive. It hardened me up a lot,” Gergen told the Washington Post in 1981, recalling the emotional toll of Watergate.

Bridging Divides in a Polarized Era

Gergen’s ability to serve both Republican and Democratic presidents showcased his commitment to country over party. His 1993 appointment to Clinton’s White House, after serving three Republican administrations, stirred controversy but highlighted his centrism. “It was a controversial appointment – both for him and for me, as I had worked previously for three Republican presidents,” Gergen wrote in his memoir. He urged Clinton to move toward the center, aiding the passage of NAFTA with bipartisan support. Al Gore praised Gergen’s impact, posting on X: “Of the countless ways that David Gergen contributed to our great country, what I will remember him for most was his kindness to everyone he worked with, his sound judgment, and his devotion to doing good in the world.”

A Legacy in Leadership and Media

After leaving politics, Gergen became a respected voice in journalism, serving as editor at U.S. News & World Report and a commentator on CNN and PBS. His books, Eyewitness to Power (2000) and Hearts Touched with Fire (2022), distilled lessons from his White House tenure, emphasizing persuasion and systemic collaboration. As founding director of Harvard’s Center for Public Leadership, he mentored generations, earning 27 honorary degrees. “We at the Kennedy School count David among our greatest leaders,” said Dean Jeremy Weinstein. 

A Call to Restore Civility

Gergen’s passing prompts reflection on his vision for principled leadership. In his final years, despite battling dementia, he urged Americans to embrace responsibility amid fear. “We must hold onto the inspirational moments of our history,” he told his daughter, Katherine Gergen Barnett, post-2024 election, “and use them to light our path forward.” His life’s work reminds conservatives and all Americans that leadership thrives on integrity, not division.