Blair Clark: The Journalist and Political Strategist Who Shaped CBS News and the 1968 Campaign
Ledyard Blair Clark was a formidable figure in 20th-century American media and politics. A liberal journalist and political operator, Clark navigated the intersection of news reporting and political strategy with remarkable skill. From managing the newsroom at CBS during a golden era of broadcasting to directing a high-stakes presidential campaign, his career reflected a lifelong commitment to liberal ideals and a talent for connecting with the most ambitious minds of his generation.
Throughout his life, Clark maintained a vast network of influential contacts, including poet Robert Lowell and President John F. Kennedy, the latter of whom he befriended during their time at Harvard. This ability to bridge the gap between intellectual circles and political powerhouses defined his professional trajectory.
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Key Facts
- CBS News Leadership: Served as general manager and vice president from 1961 to 1964.
- Political Strategy: Acted as the national campaign manager for Senator Eugene McCarthy during the 1968 presidential nomination.
- Entrepreneurship: Founded The New Hampshire Sunday News in 1946.
- Editorial Roles: Served as the editor of The Nation magazine and associate publisher of the New York Post.
- Education: Graduated from Harvard University (A.B.) and attended St. Mark's School.
Early Life and Education
Born in East Hampton, New York, in 1917, Blair Clark was the son of William and Marjory Clark. He was named after his maternal grandfather, C. Ledyard Blair, a prominent investment banker. Clark spent his formative years in Princeton, New Jersey, and attended St. Mark's School in Massachusetts.
At Harvard College, Clark established himself as a leader, serving as the president and editor of The Harvard Crimson. He was an active member of the Spee Club and the Hasty Pudding Institute of 1770. It was during these years that he formed a lasting bond with John F. Kennedy, a friendship that persisted throughout Kennedy's political ascent and extended to correspondence with Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis for several decades.
A Diverse Career in Journalism
Clark's professional journey began in 1941 as a reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. After a period of service in the United States Army during World War II—where he served as the deputy historian for General George S. Patton Jr.'s 3rd Army—he ventured into newspaper ownership.
The New Hampshire Sunday News
In 1946, utilizing a $60,000 inheritance, Clark founded The New Hampshire Sunday News. He hired Ben Bradlee (who later became the executive editor of The Washington Post) as his star reporter. The paper quickly became the most widely circulated Sunday publication in the state. In 1948, Clark strategically sold the venture to the Union-Leader Corporation for a significant profit.
The CBS Era
Clark joined CBS News in Paris in 1953, eventually becoming the producer and anchor of The World Tonight on the CBS Radio Network. His leadership peaked between 1961 and 1964 when he served as general manager and vice president of CBS News. Notably, he turned down an offer from President John F. Kennedy to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico to remain at CBS.
During his tenure, Clark expanded CBS's global and domestic reach by hiring a legendary roster of journalists, including Walter Cronkite, Dan Rather, Mike Wallace, Morley Safer, Roger Mudd, and Bill Plante. He worked closely with the pioneering Edward R. Murrow to elevate the network's journalistic standards.
Following his time at CBS, Clark continued to influence American letters as the editor of The Nation, associate publisher of the New York Post, and a fellow at the New York Institute for Humanities at NYU. He also taught at both New York University and Princeton University.
Political Activism and the 1968 Campaign
Clark's transition into high-level political management began in 1965 when he met Senator Eugene McCarthy. When McCarthy launched an anti-war challenge against President Lyndon Johnson for the 1968 Democratic primaries, Clark became his national campaign manager.
Clark was instrumental in shifting McCarthy's strategy, convincing him to enter the New Hampshire primary—a move supported by David C. Hoeh and Gerry Studds. He also recruited the journalist Seymour Hersh as the campaign's press secretary. While the New Hampshire results were strong, the campaign faced internal turmoil and fierce competition from Senator Robert F. Kennedy.
The campaign ended in frustration for Clark. After Robert F. Kennedy's assassination and the rise of Hubert Humphrey as the establishment choice, McCarthy conceded the nomination. This decision enraged Clark and other supporters who believed a victory was still possible. Clark later served as the communications director for the Democratic National Committee during the Watergate scandal and as treasurer of the New Democratic Coalition.
Personal Life
Blair Clark was married twice. His first marriage in 1941 was to Jessie Holladay Philbin, with whom he had two children, Timothy and Cameron; they divorced in 1960. In 1971, he married Joanna Rostropowicz, a writer and PhD graduate from the University of Pennsylvania. They had one son together.
Clark passed away on June 6, 2000, at his home in Princeton, New Jersey, at the age of 82.
| Period/Year | Organization/Role | Key Contribution/Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1946–1948 | The New Hampshire Sunday News | Founded the paper; achieved highest circulation in NH. |
| 1961–1964 | CBS News (GM & VP) | Hired Cronkite, Rather, and Wallace; expanded global coverage. |
| 1968 | Eugene McCarthy Campaign | National Campaign Manager; strategized NH primary entry. |
| Post-CBS | The Nation / NY Post | Served as Editor and Associate Publisher respectively. |
| Watergate Era | Democratic National Committee | Communications Director. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Blair Clark's role at CBS News?
Blair Clark served as the general manager and vice president of CBS News from 1961 to 1964. He is credited with expanding the network's news coverage and hiring several of the most famous journalists in American history, including Walter Cronkite and Dan Rather.
How did Blair Clark influence Eugene McCarthy's 1968 campaign?
As the national campaign manager, Clark was pivotal in convincing Senator McCarthy to run in the New Hampshire primary, which provided the campaign with its initial momentum and visibility as an anti-war alternative.
Did Blair Clark ever hold a diplomatic position?
No, although he was offered the ambassadorship to Mexico by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, Clark declined the appointment to continue his work as an executive at CBS News.
What other media outlets did Blair Clark work for?
Beyond CBS, Clark reported for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, founded The New Hampshire Sunday News, served as editor of The Nation magazine, and was the associate publisher of the New York Post.
Who were some of Blair Clark's notable personal connections?
Clark had close lifelong friendships with President John F. Kennedy and poet Robert Lowell, and he maintained a long-term correspondence with Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.