Infrequently throughout the course of history, and even more rarely in our current divisive times, have thoughtful minds like Charles Krauthammer graced the mainstream media.
Dr. Krauthammer passed away on Thursday shortly after he announced that he had a few weeks left to live in a letter that testified as much to his character as to his influence in journalism. It is rare for pundits today to be described as humble, but he truly exemplified this virtue.
He did not grandstand or make inflammatory statements while featured on television. He did not publish his weekly column based on what would primarily attract clicks from readers or shares on the Internet. Instead, Krauthammer pursued something that many in the mainstream media today do not: the truth.
I had the immense pleasure of meeting Dr. Krauthammer quite by chance, after having grown up watching his evening appearances on Fox News. Interning for The Hill newspaper as a college student, I boldly reached out to A.B. Stoddard, then-associate editor of the paper, about her Fox News segments with Krauthammer. Stoddard, in an act of kindness rarely exhibited to young interns, graciously invited me to view her Fox News segment live from the studio.
In one of the unforgettable experiences of my life, I had the opportunity to speak briefly with Charles Krauthammer after the show finished taping. Though he had no reason to, he gave a young intern the time of day, actually speaking with me about my interest in media, law, and politics. This small act of kindness testifies greatly to his character. He seemed intent on learning about me and my career goals.
Though Krauthammer’s work informed me significantly, his simple kindness at the studio that day was the most unforgettable lesson. Despite all of his success as a syndicated columnist, television pundit, and author, he serves as a reminder that no matter how much we accomplish, what matters the most is how we treat one another.
