Eugene Robinson – Pulitzer

Something good happened yesterday, Eugene Robinson won a Pulitzer.

Eugene H. Robinson (born 1955) is a Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper columnist and former assistant managing editor for The Washington Post. His columns are syndicated by The Washington Post Writers Group. In his columns he generally takes liberal positions and often criticizes former President George W. Bush for his perceived domestic and foreign-policy failures, especially the Iraq War. Robinson is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists.

Robinson won the Pulitzer for his coverage of the 2008 general election, specifically his reporting and commentary on the election of the first African American president:

Commentary Eugene Robinson of The Washington Post “… for his eloquent columns on the 2008 presidential campaign that focus on the election of the first African-American president, showcasing graceful writing and grasp of the larger historic picture.” Columnist’s page

Commentary	Eugene Robinson of The Washington Post	“… for his eloquent columns on the 2008 presidential campaign that focus on the election of the first African-American president, showcasing graceful writing and grasp of the larger historic picture.” Columnist’s page

Robinson’s election commentary on MSNBC was superb, quality in the midst of mediocrity, very human but also very professional, unlike 99% of the goons that inhabit the cable news networks on both counts. He was obviously very emotional when Obama’s victory became a certainty but it was a genuine emotion based on a deep understanding of both himself and the history of his race. This is very different from the sentimental, treacly, look at me I’m part of history and therefore wonderful displays that usually pass for emotion on American News TV. Yes, Chris Matthews, Brian Williams and all the rest, that last part was about you.

Robinson has an easy going charm and a sharp analytical brain, both rare and greatly undervalued commodities in what passes for journalism in the USA. I recently watched a clip of him debating a subject with MSNBC’s resident racist Pat Buchanan and the contrast couldn’t be more clear, a grumpy, frustrated, divisive, backward looking, quick to anger scared relic and an easy going, extremely comfortable in his own skin, empathetic Robinson. Robinson does get annoyed on rare occasions , but his anger gives him a laser like focus and this is when his intellect really shows and the likes of Buchanan look like the pissy spoiled brats that they are.