Jon Margolis, former Tribune political columnist, dies at 83:
1. Jon Margolis, former Tribune political columnist
2. Jon Margolis, Tribune political columnist.
Remembering Jon Margolis: A Political Reporter Extraordinaire
Jon Margolis, a renowned political reporter, columnist, and national correspondent, passed away at the age of 83 on January 29, according to his daughter, Katey. Margolis, who had a long and illustrious career with the Tribune, was widely regarded as one of the best political reporters the publication had ever seen.
From Trenton to Vermont: A Life of Journalism and Politics
Born in Trenton, New Jersey, Margolis had a deep passion for both politics and journalism. After earning his bachelor’s degree in history from Oberlin College in Ohio in 1962, he began his journey in the field of journalism. He worked for several esteemed publications, including the Bergen Record in New Jersey, the Miami Herald, the Concord Monitor in New Hampshire, and Newsday in Long Island, New York.
Margolis gained national recognition for his coverage of the Attica prison riot in 1971 while working for Newsday. This pivotal moment in his career propelled him to become Newsday’s Albany bureau chief before joining the Tribune in 1973 as a national correspondent based in Washington.
Covering Presidential Elections and Making History
During his time at the Tribune, Margolis covered four presidential elections, establishing himself as a seasoned political journalist. His expertise led him to sit on the panel of journalists interviewing vice presidential candidates Dan Quayle and Lloyd Bentsen alongside esteemed figures such as Tom Brokaw and Brit Hume.
Margolis was also renowned for coining the term “gender gap” to describe the different voting patterns between men and women. His influential column in February 1982 highlighted the growing “gender gap” in American politics, a phrase that became widely used in subsequent years.
Remembering Margolis: A Delightful Colleague and Exceptional Writer
Colleagues and friends fondly remember Margolis as a dedicated journalist who approached his work with passion and humor. Dorothy Collin, a retired Tribune political reporter and Washington correspondent, described him as someone who found joy in the “looniness” of politics. Charles M. Madigan, a former Tribune senior writer, praised Margolis for his ability to avoid tired political cliches and his talent for concise and impactful writing.
A Versatile Career: From Sports to General News
In 1989, Margolis shifted gears and joined the Tribune’s sports department as a columnist. From the World Series to the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and the Tour de Trump bicycle race, Margolis offered his unique observations and occasionally sprinkled in churlish remarks. A year later, he transitioned into a general news column with a focus on politics, where he delved into various aspects of American life with his signature sardonic flair.
Exploring Other Passions: Fly-Fishing and Writing
Outside of his journalism career, Margolis indulged in his love for fly-fishing. He co-authored a book called “How to Fool Fish with Feathers: The Incompleat Guide to Fly-Fishing” with Tribune cartoonist Jeff MacNelly. The book, published in 1992, combined amusing illustrations with technical recommendations for novice fly-fishermen.
Following his retirement from the Tribune in 1995, Margolis moved to Vermont, where he resided in a log cabin. He continued to teach classes at various Vermont colleges and remained active in the field of journalism as a regular columnist for VTDigger, an online news site in Vermont.
A Call for Understanding: Margolis’ Final Words
In his final column, published after the 2020 U.S. presidential election, Margolis urged his readers to seek greater understanding across the political divide. He lamented the divisive nature of politics, calling for individuals on both sides to make an effort to understand one another.
A Legacy Remembered
Jon Margolis is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sally, his daughter Katey, his son Michael, his sister Susanna, and his granddaughter. His impact as a political journalist and his contributions to the field of journalism will long be remembered and cherished.
Services have already been held to honor his memory.
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– Jon Margolis, former Tribune political columnist, dies at 83
– Remembering Jon Margolis, the renowned Tribune political columnist.
