Howard Fineman was a political journalist and television commentator who became a mainstay at Newsweek and NBC, covering nine presidential elections over the course of his career.
- Died: June 11, 2024 (Who else died on June 11?)
- Details of death: Died in Washington of pancreatic cancer at the age of 75.
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Howard Fineman’s legacy
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Howard Fineman grew up in a Jewish family and went to temple at Tree of Life – Or L’Simcha Congregation. He pursued higher education at Colgate University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in history, then moved on to Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, where he earned his Masters, and the University of Louisville School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor.
Fineman’s career in journalism began at the Courier-Journal in Louisville, Kentucky, where he covered local and regional news before transitioning to national politics. In 1980, he joined Newsweek – where he served as a deputy D.C. bureau chief, senior editor and political columnist – and for the next three decades, was one of the magazine’s most prominent voices, offering commentary on presidential elections, congressional battles, and the shifting landscape of American political life. In 2010, Fineman joined The Huffington Post as a senior political editor.
He was also a fixture on television, frequently appearing on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” MSNBC shows and on other major news outlets. Fineman authored the book “The Thirteen American Arguments: Enduring Debates That Define and Inspire Our Country,” published in 2008. It explores key debates that have shaped American history and continue to influence the nation’s future.
Over the course of his storied career, Fineman covered nine presidential elections. He earned a Silver Gavel from the American Bar Association, and a Deadline Club award from the Society of Professional Journalists, among other honors. He holds honorary degrees from Colgate University, the University of Louisville, Washington and Jefferson College, and Gettysburg College.
On news coverage in the wake of 9/11
“For journalists, the most patriotic thing we can do is our jobs — which meant that we all should have doubled down on skepticism and tough questions. Some did. I wish I could say that I was one of them.” — HuffPost column, 2013
Tributes to Howard Fineman
Full obituary: The Washington Post
