'McLaughlin Group' moderator John McLaughlin dies at 89

[mvcg66b3r]

A message from the McLaughlin Group family.

Earlier this morning, a beloved friend and mentor, Dr. John McLaughlin, passed away peacefully at the age of 89. As a former jesuit priest, teacher, pundit and news host, John touched many lives. For 34 years, The McLaughlin Group informed millions of Americans. Now he has said bye bye for the last time, to rejoin his beloved dog, Oliver, in heaven. He will always be remembered.

Please note, we will inform you - via this page - of memorial service details.

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10154409454088735&id=175565443734

 

[crainbebo]

Wow, a legend gone. RIP to John McLaughlin. Always used to see him on PBS every Sunday. We're losing too many this year!

 

[KMan]

This is very sad.

He was a legend. Watching some of the episodes from this year it was obvious that his physical health was declining, but his mind was a sharp as ever.

A few years ago, I felt the quality of the panel had really declined (Monica Crowley as a regular... she was not even in the same league as the late Tony Blankley). Thus, I hadn't watched it as much. But Tom Rogan was pretty sharp, and as someone not eligible for social security, he brought a new perspective to an old show.

Certainly without McLaughlin, the McLaughlin Group will air another episode or two, then quietly go off the air. That's too bad, as an era will end. But I just can't see the producers trying to put someone else in the center chair.

 

[PTBoardOp94]

Certainly without McLaughlin, the McLaughlin Group will air another episode or two, then quietly go off the air. That's too bad, as an era will end. But I just can't see the producers trying to put someone else in the center chair.

I agree. Presenting station WTTW hasn't yet announced what they will air this week in the place of the McLaughlin Group, but one would assume they'll feed something. Even if it is a tribute/clip show featuring some of the regular panelists.

Panelist Eleanor Clift wrote this remembrance which is worth sharing: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articl...lin-tv-s-original-tough-political-talker.html

 

[KMan]

Sounds like this weekend's show will be the last one.

McLaughlin's wishes were that the show would end after his death.

http://variety.com/2016/tv/news/mclaughlin-group-ending-john-mclaughlin-dead-1201840146/

 

[Sammy Reed]

Going way back, I remember before there was a "McLaughlin Group", he used to do commercials for Changing Times magazine.

 

[TheBigA]

I just remember him calling Morton Kondracke "More-TON!" It definitely was ground-breaking in the genre. It was almost a hard news version of Jerry Springer, with John playing the role of Springer. You almost expected to see chairs flying around the room. He wasn't the first person to host a pundit show, but he made it entertaining.

 

[mohawk82]

And Freddie "The Beadle" Barnes.

 

[Y2kTheNewOldies]

I just remember him calling Morton Kondracke "More-TON!" It definitely was ground-breaking in the genre. It was almost a hard news version of Jerry Springer, with John playing the role of Springer. You almost expected to see chairs flying around the room. He wasn't the first person to host a pundit show, but he made it entertaining.

Wow I seen that show McLaughlin group and wow its like a tamer version of what you see on the Cable talk shows today.

 

[umfan]

http://www.arcamax.com/politics/fromtheright/patrickbuchanan/s-1864955?fs
A moving eulogy to McLaughlin from longtime panelist Pat Buchanan.

 

[Corky Marlowe]

Had ESPN on the day McLaughlin's death was announced, and either "Around The Horn" or "Pardon The Interruption" cited him as a major influence.

 

[XNA DXer]

I was listening to NPR News on the day that McLaughlin's death was announced. I have seen the 'Saturday Night Live' parodies of 'The McLaughlin Group',
including one where John McLaughlin himself made an appearance. A legend.
He would occasionally accompany his "Bye-Bye!" with some things like "Out of time" or a wish of a happy holiday.