Charles Krauthammer, a mentor for the ages

The world needs more Charles Krauthammer’s. In a time when everything is highly politicized and political discord abounds, it’s now more than ever that today’s political pundits, politicians, and everyday Americans can learn from the man who seemed able to transcend it.

Charles had a way of getting his point across so modestly and humbly, never raising his voice or slighting another who shared the television screen with him. He was always a voice of reason who brought substance to any panel or debate he was a part of. It is rare to find that kind of talent among those who are often clamoring for a five second soundbyte.

{mosads}Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Charles knew that he was a man of integrity, character, and strong personal conviction who always made you feel as though you were the most important person in the room, always listening to your every word. Charles had a brilliant mind, who by the end of a discussion with him you often couldn’t help but agree with his viewpoint. His words were always carefully chosen and crafted in a way that seemed rehearsed, but in reality it was always on the fly — that was Charles.

In my early days as a political commentator, I got to know Charles in the green room at Fox News. For a young Republican, it was a dream come true to be mentored by one of the strongest voices in the political commentary world. I used to sit in the green room before segments filling out crossword puzzles, a way to calm my nerves and Charles would always say “Scoot over and let me see what you got there.” I would always oblige and he would always know the answer and left me with the wise words of, “Never leave a crossword unfinished.”

Charles applied this to not only crossword puzzles, but to everything in life and once said, “Longevity for a columnist is a simple proposition: Once you start, you don’t stop. You do it until you die or can no longer put a sentence together. It has always been my intention to die at my desk, although my most cherished ambition is to outlive the estate tax.” Of course, he had to work in an opinion at the end with a twinge of humor.

He taught me how to stand up for myself, to be brave, and not back down from an opinion even it was unpopular. One of the most defining moments of his mentorship came during the 2016 election when we had a long discussion about the future of the Republican Party, he said, “Fight for what you know to be right, don’t give up.” He was never afraid to criticize those within his own party and for that, I admired him.

He once said, “Sometimes it’s easy to go where the wind blows, but those that stand firmly planted are forces to be reckoned with.” He genuinely believed in his convictions and beliefs and was a true role model for a young conservative struggling with the future direction of the party.

On a lighter note, Charles was an avid Washington Nationals fan and would always keep track of the score even when on air. I remember once he came back into the makeup room between segments and switched the television on to the Nationals game, turned to everyone and said, “I hope you don’t mind,” with a grin on his face. He never took life too seriously but instead treated it as if it were a long seventh-inning stretch, enjoying it, taking it all in —the good, the bad, the challenges, everything that came with it.

Despite Charles’ significant success as a Pulitzer Prize winner and a New York Times best-selling author, he was always willing to help others along in their careers and for that he will be remembered long after his death. His spirit will live on in the lives he touched, those he mentored, and those who had the pleasure of knowing such a brilliant mind. I am grateful for all that he taught me, for the conversations we shared, and lessons taught.

Charles’ legacy will however extend far beyond soundbytes and talking points and he will be remembered for his kindness, humility, wit, sense of humor, and warm smile.

Ashley Pratte is a political commentator and communications professional in Washington, D.C.