Posted on 12/22/2017 10:13:18 PM PST by Slyfox
The iconic political panel show, "The McLaughlin Group" is set to return to the airwaves on Jan. 7, according to an announcement by Washington, D.C., ABC affiliate WJLA.
Tom Rogan, a mentee of the late legendary host John McLaughlin, will be taking over as moderator.
Longtime panelists Eleanor Clift, Pat Buchanan and Clarence Page will also be returning to the program.
"Rogan, in his early 30s, has been working in Washington DC as a respected political journalist and national TV commentator, and is not shy about expressing his opinions on major issues of the day," according to the WJLA announcement. "His cool demeanor will drive a lively yet respectful debate amongst his esteemed panelists. A weekly rotating guest panelist will also join the group. This is the time, now more than ever, for balanced debate," the station said.
Rogan, 31, says while he could never fill McLaughlin's shoes, he believes the program "has never been more necessary" given the heightened interest in politics the American public has shown in the past two years with the election of President Trump.
"John McLaughlin was my mentor and a very close friend. I can never fill his shoes, but I believe 'The McLaughlin Group's' unique blend of unfiltered news and unrestrained analysis has never been more necessary," said Rogan. "With determination and mutual respect, the panel and myself will deliver for our viewers.”
McLaughlin died at the age of 89 in August 2016 after battling prostate cancer.
He hosted his program, "The McLaughlin Group," every week from Jan. 1, 1982, to Aug. 7, 2016, without missing a show.
In 1985, three years after the show's launch, President Reagan jokingly roasted "The McLaughlin Group" at a Ritz-Carlton reception, saying, "In America's diet of political commentary, its intellectual nutritional values fall somewhere between potato chips and Twinkies."
"John McLaughlin, Mr. T of TV journalism," Reagan ribbed as McLaughlin laughed along. "I once described John by saying the United States needs a tax increase like John McLaughlin needs assertiveness training. John took a simple Sunday morning discussion format out of the issues of our day and, using the insight, skill and great humility that have become his trademarks, managed to turn it into a political version of 'Animal House.' "
"Thank you for making that half hour every weekend something very special to look forward to," the president concluded, chuckling. "I wouldn't miss it. I can't afford to."
WRONG!
Glad to hear this. Rogan will be great.
I was so sad when John McLaughlin died! It was so sudden. I watched that show from the ‘80s to when he passed away. My mom and dad watched it until they passed away. Funny how a TV show can have such an impact but that one did on me.
Is Rogan a conservative? Clift and Page are lefties so will it have balance?
kinda like dead elizabeth taylor still shown in commercials selling elizabeth taylor perfume? who wants dead people trying to entice you to buy perfume?
who wants a discussion show named after a dead guy that was cancelled to be started up again stilled named for the dead guy but doesn’t include the actual person the show is named for?
both are just silly and just trying to make a buck off dead people.
(I do want to say I did like John’s speak as he felt like attitude many years ago when I did watch that show)
Rogan always struck me as a conservative. I am sure they will try to follow in John’s tradition.
I cut my political teeth on McLaughlin group just after college and getting married. My mother in law hated the free for all format of the show. I loved it. John was the best.
I am glad too. It was the only Sunday morning politics show that I could stomach.
Risky. If they must try this revival, it should be with all new people. Preferable new people a few decades younger than the original group. No one can bring that same show back. The host was unique and charismatic. Another past favorite was Louis Rukeyser; “Wall $t. Week with Louis R.”.
They were men of their time. Both were gentlemen, as far as I know. Lou put the ‘fun’ in financial discussions.
Eleanor Clift is so obnoxious! She never takes a vacation she is on every show!
I am sure they will bring in new people on occasion. What I liked most was that John ran it at a nice clip and I always felt as though my intelligence was being respected. Unlike the other shows on Sunday morning.
Maybe they can get Bill Clinton, too.
There’s always room for one more
walking cadaver.
McLaughlin was a good soul.
Bob Novak was a good guest too, though somewhat cantankerous.
Rogan is a Brit. Yes, he’s conservative. 31 years old but wise beyond his years.
Thrilled that the show will be back, but not regarding Screacharella (Eleanor Clift) being part of the panel.
After 18 years, I might plug in my TV again! :)
John McLaughlin’s last show (Tom Rogan on the panel) 07/29/2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iscV7Xxt_6M
If he wasn't conservative they could always bring in Milo.
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