The Other McCain

"One should either write ruthlessly what one believes to be the truth, or else shut up." — Arthur Koestler

‘I Knew Him, Horatio’

Posted on | January 8, 2012 | 11 Comments

HOLLIS, N.H.
Hamlet’s line about the late Yorick came to mind when I heard that former Washington Times editorial page editor Tony Blankley had died at age 63.

He was, among many other things, a splendid peacock in his wardrobe, giving no heed to those in Washington who suppose that influential men should limit their suits to dull grays and somber blues. I would often be out in front of the office having a cigarette break when Blankley arrived for work or returned from an event downtown, and we would sometimes have brief, lively discussions of policy or political issues.

Blankley became, for a few years, the most visible public face of the newspaper. When I would go to a conservative gathering and people would inquire where I worked, my reply that I worked at the Times would often elicit the response, “Oh, The Washington Times! I love Tony Blankley!”

He will be missed. R.I.P.

Category: Journalism

Comments

11 Responses to “‘I Knew Him, Horatio’”

  1. Red
    January 8th, 2012 @ 9:35 pm

    My condolences Stace.

  2. Anonymous
    January 8th, 2012 @ 9:45 pm

    When I heard about this earlier today, I wondered how you would remember him. This is…..good.

     

  3. Svt1999
    January 8th, 2012 @ 9:58 pm

    Today’s Blog Post “Color Virginia Red” explores the recent voting history of Virginia and it’s implications for the 2012 election…

    http://commoncts.blogspot.com/2012/01/color-virginia-red.html

  4. Anonymous
    January 8th, 2012 @ 10:20 pm

    RIP.  Condolences to his family.  

  5. Wasserjungen
    January 8th, 2012 @ 10:48 pm

    RIP a Great voice for clarity.

  6. ThePaganTemple
    January 8th, 2012 @ 10:58 pm

    I remember the last couple of times I saw him on some program I thought he wasn’t looking well but put it down to aging. Sorry for the loss of your friend. Too bad there aren’t more like him, or for that matter more papers like the Post.

  7. MrPaulRevere
    January 8th, 2012 @ 11:40 pm

    I was sorry to hear of this. He was an excellent debater and seemed to be a real old school gentleman.

  8. Adjoran
    January 9th, 2012 @ 12:17 am

    He was one of those rare people who can remain a class act amidst the corruption of Washington.

    RIP.

  9. Anonymous
    January 9th, 2012 @ 9:22 am

    Pro tip: a condolences thread is probably not an ideal place to pimp/troll your blog.

  10. R.I.P. Tony Blankley 1949-2012 « Hot Air
    January 9th, 2012 @ 10:05 am

    […] McCain adds a colorful, personal tribute as one who knew and worked with the man. He was, among many other things, a splendid peacock in his […]

  11. Juanito Cabrone
    January 9th, 2012 @ 10:46 am

    Gentle Rest, Mr. Blankley.