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The writer of the article, a journalist at The Washington Post, has announced his retirement after 47 years of service. Despite retiring from full-time work, he intends to remain affiliated with The Post and will continue writing on politics and government following a break. He intends to work at a slower pace, in recognition of time’s toll and the time owed to those close to him.
About two months ago a neighbor said, “Your articles are too long.” I agree, hence, this will be my last piece before retiring from full-time work at The Washington Post. After a sabbatical, I will continue to cover politics and government on a part-time basis.
Thomas Boswell, a Hall of Fame baseball columnist who retired from Washington Post in 2021, served a reference for my retirement plan. His irregular writing schedule seems like a good model for my next phase.
The first national political convention I covered was the Democratic convention in 1968. My last one was in 2024 — again the Democrats in Chicago. From covering the death of Princess Diana to the Monica Lewinsky scandal, each event offered a unique insight into politics and society.
Since the start of my career, I’ve witnessed many ground-breaking moments in politics. These range from the Supreme Court deciding a presidential election in 2000, to the election of the first African American president in 2008, and most recently, the seismic shock of Donald Trump’s victory in 2016.
With the rise of journalism, the opportunity to write history in the moment has become a challenging duty. I have been fortunate throughout my journey, especially during my transition from an assistant editor on the National Desk to a Washington reporter in 1978. The support of my mentors, colleagues and readers has been crucial.
Despite the nation’s societal division and the coarseness of today’s politics, I have consistently advocated for press focus on voters’ aspirations and anxieties over political gamesmanship. One of my regrets from the 2016 election is not fully appreciating the raw appeal of Trump’s movement, which continues to influence the country’s political climate.
As the President stretches and bends the boundaries of the presidency with little effective resistance, the future of the democratic institutions and powers hangs in the balance. The ongoing reshuffling at The Washington Post has led to the departure of many esteemed colleagues over the past year. However, the newsroom remains committed to holding those in power accountable.
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