David Salzer Broder (1929–2011) was an American journalist and political commentator known for his analysis of U.S. elections and government affairs. He spent over 40 years as a reporter and columnist for The Washington Post, earning a reputation as the “dean of the Washington press corps.”
Born in Chicago Heights, Illinois, he earned a B.A. in liberal arts (1947) and an M.A. in political science (1951) from the University of Chicago. He began his journalism career at The Pantagraph in Bloomington, Illinois, later working for Congressional Quarterly, The Washington Star, and The New York Times before joining The Washington Post in 1966.
Broder covered every presidential campaign 1956–2008, shaping public discourse with incisive political analysis. He made over 400 appearances on NBC’s Meet the Press and won the Pulitzer for Distinguished Commentary (1973.)
His works examined political shifts, governance, and media’s role in democracy. His notable books include The Party’s Over: The Failure of Politics in America (1972,) Changing of the Guard: Power and Leadership in America (1980,) Behind the Front Page (1987,) and Democracy Derailed: Initiative Campaigns and the Power of Money (2000.)
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In a democracy, a man who does not listen cannot lead.
—David S. Broder
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