Longtime political commentator and columnist Mark Shields passed away Saturday at 85. Shields worked for CNN and PBS and wrote columns for the Washington Post.
Shields was a pivotal contributor to the “Capital Gang” show, where he was afforded the opportunity to go head-to-head with right-leaning pundits like Pat Buchanan and Kate O’Beirne.
The show’s former executive director, Rick Davis, said the network was fortunate to work with a talent the caliber of Shields.
“We at CNN were so fortunate to work with such a kind, brilliant, funny man who was the same person to the powerful politicians as he was to the youngest staffer on our team,” he said.
“PBS Newshour” anchor Judy Woodruff broke the news of Shields’ death on Twitter.
Shields was a regular on the “PBS NewsHour.” For more than three decades, Shields provided PBS viewers with critical context and perspective on some of the most important events in American history.
“PBS NewsHour” contributor David Gergen said his favorite moments in television had been Friday nights with Mark Shields.
“David Gergen was his first sparring partner, sharing the desk for Mark for six years,” Woodruff said in a farewell tribute to Shields in 2020.
“He had a humility about him, as well as his Irish wit, that just made him a great partner,” Gergen added.
According to CNN, Shields died of kidney failure at his home in Chevy Chase, Maryland.
