David Broder(Los Angeles Times) David Broder, one of the nation's leading political reporters and a Pulitzer Prize winner in 1973 for distinguished commentary about the Watergate Scandal, died Wednesday at age 81. Broder, a longtime reporter for the "Washington Post", died at Capital Hospice in Arlington, VA of complications from diabetes. Broder, who continued to write his column despite failing health, was considered a mentor to countless colleagues. His professorial mien helped earn him the title of dean of the political press corps, and he gained considerable fame for his work as a reporter, syndicated columnist, and public affairs show guest. He appeared 401 times, a record, on NBC's "Meet the Press", starting in 1963.
Dan Balz, a longtime Post colleague, stated "Dave set the standard for what political reporting was in this country." Balz continued, "And as important as that was, he was a role model for so many people and generous to young reporters who were new to the beat." That also included competing organizations. Broder held himself to techniques and standards he imposed on others, such as the importance of walking the precincts and knocking on doors to learn what was on the electorate's mind. His opening gambit when interviewing strangers at campaign rallies was very simple: "Excuse me, are you a registered voter?" He also sought out political scientists and and gave their views wider circulation. He also influenced other journalists to do the same. Washington journalist Jack W. Germond, who thought politics shouldn't be "reduced to a science" but admitted Broder was tough about his fondness for political scientists. Germond said he couldn't be shamed out of it.
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