The James C. Lehrer Lecture
The Miller Center's ongoing tribute to the legendary journalist and former Governing Council member
Jim Lehrer, known to millions of Americans as the former co-host of the PBS NewsHour and the moderator of dozens of presidential and vice-presidential debates, died in January 2020.
Lehrer had a deep interest in history and politics and found a natural home at the Miller Center, where he was an important presence, serving as a member of the Governing Council from 2016 until his death.
In 2021, the Miller Center established an endowed fund to honor his legacy: The James C. Lehrer Lecture.
As the moderator of more U.S. presidential debates than any other journalist, he recognized the necessity of a free and responsible press in creating an informed citizenry. Lehrer also set the standard for civil discourse.
The inaugural Lehrer Lecture in May 2022 reflected these commitments to democracy and featured PBS NewsHour's anchor Judy Woodruff discussing journalistic integrity in a time of crisis.
“With all of Jim Lehrer’s notable accomplishments—groundbreaking journalist, legendary presidential debate moderator—one of his greatest was his genuine kindness,” said Miller Center Director William Antholis. “Jim had a unique perspective on the presidency, as told to the Miller Center through an extensive oral history he did with us. Few people knew and understood what we do as well as Jim did.”
Dubbed the “Dean of Moderators,” Lehrer was involved in the Debating Our Destiny documentaries in 2000 and 2008, which featured exclusive interviews with candidates for president and vice president dating back to 1976. Lehrer also served on the board of the Commission on Presidential Debates.
He began his journalism career as a newspaper reporter at the Dallas Morning News and the Dallas Times-Herald, covering among other major stories the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. He served as a Marine infantry officer in the 1950s.
Jim Lehrer and the presidents he covered
In 2015, Jim Lehrer and his wife, Kate, sat down with the Miller Center's Bill Antholis (director and CEO) and Barbara Perry (director of Presidential Studies) for an extensive discussion of his history covering the presidency. Those who knew Jim won't be surprised to find that the stories are funny, moving, insightful, and entertaining.
Jim Lehrer moderates the Obama-Romney debate in 2012
The James C. Lehrer Lecture 2023
The James C. Lehrer Lecture 2022
"Onward": A tribute from fellow journalist and Miller Center board member Ann Compton
While it was a great honor to be invited for a second time to be a panelist on a major presidential campaign debate, it was an even greater pleasure to sit on that stage with moderator Jim Lehrer, who had become the gold standard in political moments of importance.
It was the first debate of 1992 and the beleaguered incumbent president was sagging in the polls, with not one but two challengers joining him on the stage for a highly unusual three-way general election clash. Jim sat us panelists down the night before the broadcast and gently steered us over, under, around, and through the landmines that awaited for such a complex debate.
Jim had the gift of being able to envision the big picture, free of distractions, and help us all keep the debate’s focus on the kinds of issues that mattered to voters watching at home. He did it all with humor and grace. And did it so well that in future years, the Commission on Presidential Debates invited Jim to be the sole questioner.
Jim Lehrer was a constant North Star—not only on the air, but over a friendly informal dinner or at the boardroom table as the Miller Center faculty, staff, and Governing Council worked on important presidential projects. He and his enchanting wife, Kate, were always the most popular people in the room. His warmth and generous spirit will live on with us, as will his favorite line when ending a letter, an email, or a phone conversation: “Onward.”
PBS remembers Jim Lehrer
'A giant in journalism'
In a heartfelt tribute, the NewsHour remembers that “he always told those who worked with him: ‘It’s not about us.’ ”
Conversations with Jim Lehrer
Lehrer on the changing media landscape
In an episode of American Forum from 2016, Lehrer discusses relationships among the media, the public, and politicians; the 2016 presidential campaign; and his views on presidential debates.
Lehrer on presidential debates
In 2011, Lehrer visited the Miller Center to discuss his book on presidential debates, Tension City: Inside the Presidential Debates, from Kennedy-Nixon to Obama-McCain.