Yesterday, Charles Krauthammer courageously revealed that he has just weeks to live.
While his columns have appeared regularly in The Washington Post and periodically in other papers across the nation, most people, I believe, have gotten to know him through his panel appearances on the Fox News Channel’s nightly news program Special Report with Bret Baier.
Charles Krauthammer (foxnews.com)
Over the years watching Krauthammer he became known simply as “Charles,” but in our household we fondly called him “The Krautster.” We didn’t always agree with him, but you could always count on him to be objective and to clearly present his position.
He was not a fan of President Trump, but he understood Trump, the man. It is perhaps a reflection of his background as a psychiatrist He was always asked to comment on the president before his illness took him off the air.
Recalling his commentary during an August 2017 Trump rally in West Virginia, I did a little research and was reminded again of “The Krautster’s” objectivity.
“Here’s a guy (Trump) whose numbers are down in the 30’s. He’s got this grand jury being convened, he’s got the walls kind of closing in on him in Washington. And here he’s going out into the country and saying, ‘these are my people.’ Forget about the numbers. Forget about the chatter in Washington. Forget about the stories about Russia – which he spent a lot of time on – but I represent a huge constituency of tremendous support and enthusiasm.”
Krauthammer pointed out that Trump wasn’t “very specific on policy,” but was able to appeal to those in attendance at his rally anyway. “I’m bringing you guys back. I’m the only one who listened. You were abandoned,” he quoted Trump, “That’s his appeal. That’s how he won the election and he’s reminding the elites that appeal is still there.”
Regarding the talk among Democrats about regaining control of the House and starting impeachment proceedings against Trump, Krauthammer said, “I don’t think he’s very well fit for the presidency, but fitness is not a reason for impeachment and removal. High crimes are. Perhaps they’ll find one, I don’t know. As of yet I haven’t heard one. Collusion is unseemly but it ain’t a crime.”
Krauthammer saw no grounds for the president’s removal. “If you think a man is unfit, you vote against him. I just hope cooler heads prevail. There will be another election – there always are – people can make their choices.
During a rebroadcast of an interview Baier did with Krauthammer last year, Baier asked him if he would ever quit writing, to which he replied that he hoped to die at this desk, if that could be arranged.
With all of the negative media coverage, I have missed Krauthammer’s objectivity during his absence. Occasional medical reports gave us hope that he would return, but unfortunately, we know now that’s not going to happen.
Sadly, we bid farewell to Charles Krauthammer – “The Krautster” – a true journalist and gentleman.
