Besides questioning presidential candidates in debates from 1988 to 2012, Mr. Lehrer interviewed presidents and other world leaders directly, often asking pointed questions in a quiet, understated way. ADMr. Lehrer joined the small news operation of PBS in Washington in 1973 and soon began covering the Watergate hearings with fellow newscaster Robert MacNeil. After MacNeil retired in 1995, Mr. Lehrer became the sole host of “The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer.” After scaling back his presence on what is now “The PBS NewsHour,” he stepped down in 2011. ADJames Charles Lehrer was born in Wichita, on May 19, 1934, to a working-class but entrepreneurial family. In a city known as a hotbed of far-right activity, Mr. Lehrer drew attention for his takedowns of the John Birch Society and other conspiracy-minded groups.

Source: Washington Post January 23, 2020 18:52 UTC