Dignitaries Recall Jennings as 'Consummate Reporter'

Aug. 8, 2005 — -- Newsmakers and dignitaries remembered Peter Jennings fondly today. Here are some of their words:

President Bush: Laura and I were saddened to learn about the death of Peter Jennings. Peter Jennings had a long and distinguished career as a news journalist. He covered many important events, events that helped define the world as we know it today. A lot of Americans relied upon Peter Jennings for their news. He became a part of the life of a lot of our fellow citizens, and he will be missed. May God bless his soul.

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell: Peter Jennings was a great man and the consummate professional. His reassuring presence will be missed by all of us.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice: I am saddened by the death of my close, personal friend Peter Jennings. To Peter's wife and family, we offer our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences. He will be deeply missed. Peter Jennings represented all that was best in journalism and public service. A man of conscience and integrity, his reporting was a guide to all of us who aspire to better the world around us. I learned from him and was inspired by him.

Massachusetts senator and former presidential candidate John Kerry: One of the final long interviews I did during the campaign last year was with Peter Jennings in Des Moines. I will always remember his insight, his ability to explain the most complicated issues in the clearest form, and his grace and style. He was a tough interviewer but he was always fair. I enjoyed our conversations about politics and especially hockey. Peter Jennings put his own brand on broadcast journalism. He will be greatly missed.

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi: All Americans are grateful for Peter Jennings' distinguished and trusted news broadcasts. The consummate reporter, Mr. Jennings worked hard to get the story and get it right, and Americans admired that he did it with grace and dignity. It is with great sadness and respect that I extend deepest condolences to Mr. Jennings' family, friends, and colleagues at ABC News. I hope it is a comfort to his family that so many people share their loss and are praying for them at this sad time.

Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin: It was with great sorrow that Sheila and I learned of the death of Peter Jennings yesterday. Born in Toronto, Peter Jennings will be remembered as one of America's most inspirational and distinguished journalists of our times … All through his life, he devoted time and energy in educating children about the world, and he has been honored with many awards for his reporting and documentaries. He will continue to be a source of inspiration for generations of young reporters to come.

Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani: Peter Jennings was a gentleman. Even when asking the tough, insightful questions, he did so in a gentlemanly fashion. He was able to find the weakness in an argument and point it out, but in a constructive way, not in a "gotcha" way … On Sept. 11, Peter's journalistic ability, coupled with his humanity, informed and helped comfort us. Like all those watching that day, he too was in pain over the destruction wreaked on his beloved city, but he soldiered on and did so with compassion and eloquence. While that clear, calm voice is silent now, the memory of his articulate and thoughtful presence will live on in our hearts forever.