Hugh Swanson Sidey (1927–2005) was an American journalist known for his extensive coverage of U.S. presidents. Over nearly five decades, he became one of the most respected political reporters, offering sharp analysis of presidential leadership and decision-making.
Born in Greenfield, Iowa, Sidey studied journalism at Iowa State University, graduating in 1950. He worked for newspapers in Iowa and Nebraska before joining Life (1955.) In 1957, he moved to Time, covering the White House for nearly 40 years. His column, The Presidency, provided behind-the-scenes insights on presidents from Dwight D. Eisenhower to Bill Clinton, capturing their personalities and leadership styles.
Sidey authored John F. Kennedy, President (1963,) Portrait of a President (1975,) and Hugh Sidey’s Profiles of the Presidents: From Ford to Clinton (2001.) He also hosted the PBS series The American Presidents and served as president of the White House Historical Association’s board of directors.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Hugh Sidey
Carry laughter with you wherever you go.
—Hugh Sidey
Topics: Laughter
They can see the brave silhouette from almost anywhere in the District of Columbia and use it as a compass to locate other monuments and eventually to find their way out of the great, gray federal wilderness.
—Hugh Sidey
Topics: Wilderness
In this era of world leadership, the metal detector is the altar and the minicam may be god.
—Hugh Sidey
Topics: Leadership
Above all else: go out with a sense of humor. It is needed armor. Joy in one’s heart and some laughter on one’s lips is a sign that the person down deep has a pretty good grasp of life.
—Hugh Sidey
Topics: Laughter, Humor
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