Context:

David Gergen, a seasoned political adviser and commentator, passed away at 83, leaving behind a legacy of service under Presidents Nixon, Ford, Reagan, and Clinton. Known for his ability to craft influential political messaging, Gergen played a pivotal role in Ronald Reagan's 1980 election victory with the impactful question, 'Are you better off than you were four years ago?' Despite being a key insider, Gergen maintained a reputation for integrity, never lying to the press and remaining untainted by the scandals that marred the administrations he served. His career also spanned journalism and academia, where he contributed to public discourse through editor roles and teaching. Gergen's commitment to centrism and his disdain for divisive politics were hallmarks of his approach to leadership and public service.

Dive Deeper:

• David Gergen was a trusted adviser to four U.S. Presidents, notably crafting a decisive debate line for Ronald Reagan in 1980 that questioned the nation's progress, leading to Reagan's electoral success against Jimmy Carter.

• Throughout his government career, Gergen was praised for his communication strategies and remained unblemished by the major scandals of the administrations he served, including Watergate and Iran-Contra.

• Gergen's career extended beyond politics into journalism, where he served as an editor for prominent publications, and academia, where he taught at Duke University and Harvard, focusing on leadership and public service.

• His approach to politics was rooted in centrism, advocating for solution-driven politics rather than divisive rhetoric, which he communicated in his writings and public commentary.

• Despite criticisms of being overly focused on presentation ('selling the sizzle without the steak'), Gergen maintained a reputation for honesty, refusing to deceive the press and valuing his integrity over political expediency.