Charles Krauthammer

Charles Krauthammer, born on March 13, 1950, was a prominent American political columnist and psychiatrist whose career spanned several decades. Initially a moderate liberal, he evolved into an independent conservative, gaining recognition for his insightful commentary on national issues. His weekly column, which began in 1985 for The Washington Post, was syndicated to over four hundred publications worldwide, earning him the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 1987.

Tragedy struck during his first year at Harvard Medical School when a diving board accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. After fourteen months of recovery, Krauthammer returned to complete his medical education, ultimately becoming a psychiatrist. His contributions to the field included involvement in the creation of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders III in 1980.

In the late 1970s, Krauthammer transitioned into political commentary, serving as a director of psychiatric research in the Carter administration and later as a speechwriter for Vice President Walter Mondale. His career as a columnist flourished, and he became a well-known voice on foreign policy, advocating for U.S. military engagement globally and coining the term Reagan Doctrine.

Throughout his career, Krauthammer was a fixture on television, serving as a panelist on PBS's Inside Washington from 1990 until its end in 2013, and contributing to Fox News. His battle with cancer led him to cease writing in August 2017, and he passed away on June 21, 2018, leaving behind a legacy of impactful journalism and political thought.