Politicians, Left and Right, Mourn Gwen Ifill

Politicians on both sides of the aisle publicly mourned the passing of legendary reporter Gwen Ifill on Monday at the age of 61. The long-time PBS broadcaster was reportedly diagnosed with endometrial cancer just last year and remained private about her health struggles up until her death. “I’m saddened to learn of the passing of @gwenifill,” former Republican primary candidate Ben Carson wrote on Twitter. “She was an amazing journalist and will be truly missed.” House Speaker Paul Ryan added that she was “an incredibly talented and respected journalist.” Republican Sen. Tim Scott, the first African-American senator elected from South Carolina, tweeted: “Always enjoyed talking with her, as well as the times I joined @NewsHour.” Donald Trump’s campaign manager Kellyanne Conway tweeted: “This is shocking and incredibly sad. Condolences to her family. God bless your soul, Gwen.” On the other side of the proverbial aisle, Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin wrote that Ifill was “a trailblazer who elevated our national conversations and debates,” and her colleague Tom Udall added that she “was one of the best in the business. Her thoughtful contributions to public discourse will be remembered. We need more like her.” President Obama also began his Monday press conference by expressing condolences for Ifill’s family and colleagues.