Mary McGrory: The Trailblazing Columnist Who Stood Washington on Its Head

by John Norris

A wildly entertaining biography of the trailblazing Washington columnist and the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for commentary
 
Before there was Maureen Dowd or Gail Collins or Molly Ivins, there was Mary McGrory. She was a trailblazing columnist who achieved national syndication and reported from the front lines of American politics for five decades. From her first assignment reporting on the Army–McCarthy hearings to her Pulitzer-winning coverage of Watergate and controversial observations of President Bush after September 11, McGrory humanized the players on the great national stage while establishing herself as a uniquely influential voice. Behind the scenes she flirted, drank, cajoled, and jousted with the most important figures in American life, breaking all the rules in the journalism textbook. Her writing was admired and feared by such notables as Lyndon Johnson (who also tried to seduce her) and her friend Bobby Kennedy who observed, “Mary is so gentle—until she gets behind a typewriter.” Her soirees, filled with Supreme Court justices, senators, interns, and copy boys alike, were legendary. Writing about Donald Trump's first divorce in 19990, she said, "Watching the Trumps, Washington thinks of itself as wholesome.’”

As the red-hot center of the Beltway in a time when the newsrooms were dominated by men, McGrory makes for a powerfully engrossing subject. Laced with juicy gossip and McGrory’s own acerbic wit, John Norris’s colorful biography reads like an insider’s view of latter-day American history—and one of its most enduring characters. 

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, Journalism, Politics, Womens, American History

352 pages, Paperback

First published September 22, 2015

About the author

The biography of Mary McGrory is John's third book. As his day job, John is a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress in Washington, D.C. where he works on international affairs. He has served in a number of senior roles in government, international institutions, and nonprofits, including with the United Nations, State Department, and the International Crisis Group. In addition to his books, John has written for The Atlantic, The Washington Post, Foreign Policy, and numerous other publications.

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a package today which included a letter congratulating me on winning this book through the goodreads giveaway program. Unfortunately the book actually in the package was Froggy Goes to the Library which I expect to be a very different reading experience.

Update: I've been notified by the publisher that they made a mistake and will be sending me the right book.

The promised book arrived.

Having lived through the era when Ms. McGrory was in her prime, I am familiar with the events she wrote about. I had hoped for either behind the scenes information or a really intimate look at her life. This book did not have much of either. John Norris makes a lot of her Irish Catholic view on the world even though he mother was German and she grew up in a bilingual household. It seems to me that John Norris uses her "Irish Catholic" background to explain too many of her opinions and actions. I suspect she embraced her Irish side initially to get public figures in Boston to open up to her.

While this was not the book I was hoping for, it is an interesting way for people who did not live through those times to access them.

[Joan Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

The late Washington newspaper columnist Mary McGrory would have loved the error. The winners of the Goodreads giveaway for her biography, “Mary McGrory, The First Queen of Journalism,” by John Norris, opened their mailboxes find a children’s book, “Froggy Goes to the Library.”

It was as if Mary were reaching out in spirit, moving paragraphs around in characteristic defiance. Despite her decades in Washington politics, her famous words after Kennedy’s funeral, her Pulitzer for covering Watergate, and her pride in being on Nixon’s enemies list, she wanted to spotlight the decades – and hours of reading children’s books – she spent as a weekly volunteer at St. Ann's, a Catholic children’s home in D.C. She even recruited her high-profile political and media friends to help out. Imagine Tim Russert of “Meet the Press” in a Santa Claus suit.

With the power of her pen in newsprint, Mary had incredible access on the front lines of U.S. politics. For five decades she was a nationally syndicated celebrity columnist at the Washington Star, and then the Washington Post. She stood out as the “lone female reporter in the room,” whether at press conferences or on the campaign trail.

This colorful biography brings alive a time in Washington politics and newspaper journalism that has left us, “ … an era before opinion was democratized and the Internet made it so that everyone could contribute to the cacophony of commentary.” The chapter on the last days of the Washington Star is heart-rending.

Mary’s biographer greatly admires her, but he also points out her foibles. She “did not consider herself bound by the normal standards of journalistic impartiality.” For years, there was controversy because her hard-hitting opinions ran in the news pages rather than the op/ed section. He also noted how she often “fell in love with charismatic politicians” like Jack and Bobby Kennedy, Gene McCarthy and Mario Cuomo, and over-enthusiastically promoted them.

Whether or not the reader was born before, during or after events like the McCarthy hearings, Kennedy’s assassination, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War or the Clinton sex scandal, this book will show you the way. It is not an exercise in political analysis but a story about how an anomaly like Mary existed in these chapters of American politics, blazing a trail for women political columnists like Molly Ivins, Maureen Dowd and Gail Collins.

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before Maureen Dowd, Molly Ivins or Gail Collins there was Mary McGrory. This biography essentially chronicled US politics in my lifetime, beginning with Adlai Stevenson and Estes Kefauver through Bill Clinton. As a child, I remember my parents reading her column, and my Mom occasionally reading me her favorites. It also brought back memories of my father's career as a civil servant, his friendship with Kefauver, the excitement of JFK's Administration, his early retirement from the IRS because he strongly disagreed with Nixon's use of the power of the IRS to pursue 'enemies of the Nixon White House". Nixon's behavior was too reminiscent of the Joe McCarthy hearings. Ironically it was while covering the Army-McCarthy hearing that Mary her name. Mary was a progressive Democrat, Irish, Bostonian. She may well be my favorite essayist/columnist. Her writing had grace, passion, and was fearless. I couldn't believe she was still climbing aboard 'campaign buses' at the age of 73, always chasing THE story. I shall always remember her columns when JFK was assassinated. It was great that Norris frequently let's Mary speak for herself, quoting her columns.

I very much enjoyed this book and recommend it to those with an interest in post WWII American politics, and really wonderful essays written by a woman, when there were very few women in the newsrooms.

I will definitely next read a collection of McGrory's essays!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I had trouble putting it down-I felt like I was a fly on the wall of history. It is filled with colorful anecdotes, intriguing insights into what made McGrory who she was, and amazing reflections on the times from pre-Kennedy to Clinton. I highly recommend it for history buffs as well as those who just love a great story.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully written, well-reported book for anyone who is interested in journalism history or in trailblazing female journalists. It's the biography of Mary McGrory, a longtime D.C. political columnist. I did not have the pleasure of reading McGrory while she was alive, so this was a delight for me. She had a big heart and rankled a lot of very powerful men. What's not to love about that? Norris has done a wonderful job of bringing her story alive.

[Orlaith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating portrait!

[Andy Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This splendid biography of Mary McGrory begins with her first real news assignment, covering the Army/McCarthy hearings. As is done throughout the book, there are excerpts from her writing at the time including this quote describing Joseph Welch staring at McCarthy as " a scientist might observe a new and unpredictable monster."

This story of McGory's life continues, balancing an examination of her personal life with her professional career. While McGory suffered greatly from sexism, she was banned from the exclusive all male Gridiron events and meetings from newsmakers who sometimes insisted on all male attendance and her interview for a job for the New York Times with James Reston soured when he suggested that she supplement her writing work with "handling the switchboard in the mornings" Yet, she used her femininity as a weapon, during coverage of the 1956 Presidential election she started her tradition of having male colleagues serve as "bearers" taking her luggage and typewriter from place to place. It discusses on her failed romantic relationships and the pros and cons of her single, but never lonely life and how she could be a very generous but also very demanding friend or aunt. The book also dwells on her financial and time commitment to a local orphanage.

But this is also a fascinating political history including coverage of every Presidential campaign from 1956 to 2000. Her relationships with JFK and RFK were fascinating especially her brutal treatment of RFK during the 1968 campaign. She was more of an advocate than reporter for Gene McCArthy and there is lengthy discussion of the evidence of the probably affair between the two. She was similarly an advocate for McGovern in 1972 and the author, John Norris, includes extended discussion from the contemporary book "Boys on the Bus" which criticized her for crossing the line of journalistic advocacy to advising and helping the McGovern campaign.

Both the personal story and political history confirm that McGory was an unabashed liberal but not one without nuance. She went against the grain when she wrote sympathetically of Newt Gringrich's foster care proposals, McGory's experiences with her orphanage and children severely abused by their parents gave her skepticism about the liberal mantra of family unification. While she admired Bill Clinton's and Ted Kennedy's politics, she abhorred their personal lives and noted that it made Kennedy ineffective in challenging Clarence Thomas's nomination.

This is a five star review for a wonderful book I recommend whole heartedly

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a long-time fan of Mary McGrory, but except for her columns, I didn't know anything about her personal life. For anyone interested in the news media, or female reporters/columnists, this is the bio for you. She was one of the few female reporters of her time, and has led the way for female writers and reporters everywhere. Her journey is extremely interesting, especially to anyone who lived through the times on which she reported. For young female writers today, this bio should be necessary reading. Times have changed enormously for women during this period, and Ms. McGrory lived it. It wasn't easy, but she didn't let that stop her. In fact, she used the disadvantaged position she was in to her advantage, which many might find incomprehensible. (She asked her colleagues carry her luggage for her--and they did). She wrote of the times she lived in, as an unmarried, professional reporter, didn't complain of the systems' treatment of women, although she certainly had cause to, but got the job done regardless. She eventually became a columnist after a distinguished reporting career at The Washington Star, and moved to The Washington Post. She was a star in her career as a reporter and columnist, and is still missed.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a political junkie, I absolutely loved this view of inside Washington from the McCarthy era to the Bush years. This book is for all my fellow lovers of power politics and for avid newspaper readers. It has strong elements of female empowerment since Mary McGrory paved the way for women journalists such as Molly Ivans, Anna Quindlen, Maureen Dowd and Gail Collins. The biography provided short excerpts from her columns which showed her sharp writing skills. I would really like to find a collection of her columns to enjoy more of her writing. What I also found endearing about Mary McGrory was her many years of volunteer service at a local orphanage where she devoted many hours at the home helping abandoned children, donating substantial contributions and advocating for legislation through her newspaper work for saving them from abuse and neglect. Such a strong gracious female role model.

[jag · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary McGrory had a way with the written word. One of the very first national newswomen, Mary excelled at getting to the heart of an interview because she noticed telling details. Based in Washington D.C. for the Washington Star<1> and then the Washington Post, she covered a dozen presidential elections, chatted with presidents, pounded the pavement in search of her stories and drank Scotch with the best of them. I found myself recalling a turn of phrase or a unique take on a person or a situation. She left deep footprints and oh, could she write.

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a well-researched look at a complicated woman. The narrative was straightforward, but informative and filled with occasional stories and odd facts of color. I enjoyed learning about a piece of journalism history new to me, while at the same time getting a refresher of American history in general. However, my enjoyment was consistently plagued by the character of McGrory herself and I finished the book still feeling quite conflicted about her approach to her work, the way she treated her subjects, and the way she treated fellow journalists.

[Dan Zak · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author smartly gets out of Mary's way, and a good deal of her story is told in her words: elegant and sharp, with an eye for humanity and villainy. This is also a deft biography of Washington and of newspaper journalism; Mary was made for both. Reading this book gave me a taste of that rare feeling -- of being in the right place at the right time, doing what you were born to do.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. Enjoyable non-fiction read that taught me so much about the details of the political races stretching over several decades. Loved this woman's character and contribution to our country.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't love the writing style, but it was a great story and an ode to a woman who was one-of-a-kind.

[szelma89 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zapraszam -> blog-projektksiazka.blogspot.com

Podziwiam ludzi, którzy ponad wszystko cenią swoją pracę. Kochają to, co robią i potrafią oddać tej pasji całe swoje życie. Oprócz tego robią coś więcej. Wytyczają nowe szlaki i stają się przykładem dla innych.
Mary McGrory urodziła się w Bostonie. Miała niemiecko irlandzkie korzenie. Miłość do książek zaszczepił w niej ojciec. Od matki, sztywnej, konserwatywnej i religijnej kobiety nauczyła się walczyć o swoje prawa. Pochodziła z niezbyt bogatej rodziny jednak otrzymała wszechstronne wykształcenie zaskakując swoją wiedzą nauczycieli. Prywatnie Mary nigdy nie wyszła za mąż, chociaż przez całe życie kochała tylko jednego człowieka. Niestety jej praca wymagała ciągłych wyjazdów. Podczas licznych kampanii wyborczych to ona siedziała w pierwszym rzędzie, relacjonując później w swoich felietonach najważniejsze informacje dla swoich czytelników. Wplątywała się w różne romanse jednak zawsze wracała do Blaira Clarka. Ostatecznie złamał jej serce gdy pojął za żonę Polkę.
Zaczynała jako recenzentka literatury w miejscowej gazecie ‘Star’. Czytelnicy uwielbiali jej lekki, przystępny styl. Redaktor naczelny widząc jakim powodzeniem cieszą się jej opinie wysłał ją w świat polityki, a Mary poczuła się w nim jak ryba w wodzie. Z początku nie było łatwo. Z kart powieści wyłania się obraz kobiety, która całkowicie poświęciła się pracy. W latach pięćdziesiątych dziennikarzami byli jedynie mężczyźni. Ta profesja jak i inne były zarezerwowane tylko dla nich. Kobieta miała za zadanie jedynie opiekować się dziećmi i dbać o dom, a Mary nie mogła się z tym pogodzić.Krok po kroku, z mozołem walczyła o swoje należne miejsce jako dziennikarce w świecie zdominowanym przez mężczyzn.

“Wybór prosty: albo pierwsza strona, albo życie rodzinne. Nawet gdy lata sześćdziesiąte gwałtownie przetasowały amerykański porządek społeczny, otwierając długo zamknięte drzwi dla kobiet i mniejszości, Mary czuła, że może odnieść sukces jako dziennikarka albo może być szczęśliwą mężatką - nie da rady osiągnąć obu tych rzeczy naraz.”

Zmysł obserwacji i talent przelewania tych obrazów na papier. To cechy, które były charakterystyczne dla stylu Mary McGrory. To ona wprowadziła dziennikarstwo na nowy poziom. Uwielbiała stosować liczne porównania, humor i sarkazm. Wszystkie potrzebne fakty zdobywała sama. Zawsze dostępna, zawsze na miejscu. Dzięki serii artykułów o Watergate dostała nagrodę Pulitzera. To nie jedyne jej wyróżnienie na scenie dziennikarskiej, jednak to właśnie dzięki niej swoje podwoje otworzyły przed nią nowe wydawnictwa, pojawiły się nowe perspektywy pracy. Mary jednak do końca pozostała wierna swojej pierwotnej gazecie.
Mary McGrory oprócz tego, że była dziennikarką aktywnie udzielała się jako wolontariuszka w sierocińcu świętej Anny. Dzięki jej licznym kontaktom w świecie polityki namówiła zwykłych ludzi jak i możnych do dzielenia się dobrem. To za jej sprawą dzieci mogły spędzać święta Bożego Narodzenia z rodziną prezydenta Kennedy’ego. Przejmowała się sprawami ludzi, których głos nie zawsze mógł przebić się do szerszej publiki. Słuchała ich historii i wspierała ich swoim piórem, a przez to uwrażliwiała innych na problemy ludzi z niższych warstw społecznych. Nie pozwoliła się nastraszyć, gdy znalazła się na liście wrogów Nixona. Jej pytania zawsze były przemyślane i trafne wprawiając osoby z którymi rozmawiała w konsternację.

“Mary była grande dame waszyngtońskiego dziennikarstwa. Marjorie Williams, opisując, jak wkraczała do newsroomu w czarnym kapeluszu z szerokim rondem i wełnianym płaszczu, nazwała ją prasową Katharine Hepburn.”

Amerykanie uwielbiają lekko podkolorowywać swoich bohaterów. Tym samym, między słowami możemy zaobserwować Mary jako osobę ciągle poszukującą uwagi ze strony innych ludzi, wykorzystującą ich do czasami trywialnych zadań. Uwielbiała brylować w towarzystwie i być otaczana ludźmi, którzy aktualnie sprawowali władzę. Z jednej strony to nic dziwnego, jej praca polegała na ciągłych kontaktach z politykami. Mary była piękną i wpływową kobietą. Pociągali ją mężczyźni o mocnym charakterze, skutecznie dążących do zajęcia jak najbardziej intratnych stanowisk w rządzie. Nic dziwnego, że wokół jej postaci krążyły plotki o romansie z Kennedym czy reporterem Bobem Abernethym. Chociaż Mary nie była typem osoby, która łatwo daje się omamić przyjemnymi słówkami i obietnicami, niektórzy skrycie oskarżali ją o promowanie charyzmatycznych polityków i kongresmenów. Książka jest również mocno przesycona nazwiskami, wydarzeniami, sytuacjami ze sceny politycznej. Zapoznajemy się z największymi aferami w USA i szczerze mówiąc, czasami trudno się w tym połapać. Podziwiam jednak pisarza za ogrom pracy, jaki włożył w odtworzenie życia pionierki dziennikarstwa. Ilość szczegółów jakie wprowadził, fragmenty rozmów z politykami, przyjaciółmi, rodziną jest oszałamiająca. Biografia Mary nie byłaby kompletna bez jej felietonów. Wyłania się z nich obraz niezwykle utalentowanej kobiety znanej na całym świecie, ikony dziennikarstwa, która po prostu kochała pisać.
Nie da się nie podziwiać Mary McGrory. Za jej dobre serce, zdolności, nieustępliwość. Za przekraczanie granic i pokazanie kobietom, że warto walczyć o siebie i swoje marzenia. Polecam szczególnie tym, którzy są w jakiś sposób związani z dziennikarstwem i wszystkim miłośnikom biografii.

[April Helms · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read about a pioneer in the news business. When Mary McGrory, a Boston Irish Catholic, started covering politics (after many years of trying to crack into that beat), she frequently was the only reporter who was a woman. Her sex, however, was not the only thing that made her stand out. Her writing style captured the moment and the people involved, and her observations were unflinching. I think one of the more amusing thoughts shared about her was how she was a nice person until she got behind a typewriter. But you have to give the late Ms. McGrory credit: she was almost never wrong in her assessment of someone (she only truly regretted one column/advocation in her entire career. That's pretty darn good for a career that spanned more than 40 years. Also, on the topic in question, she was not the only person who got suckered. She often surmised a politician's true character before the rest of the world did. Her career is not the only focus in the author's book. You get a feel for the decades of news she covers. Also, McGrory was passionate about charitable causes, helping out regularly with a local orphanage. The book includes many quotes and anecdotes from McGrory, her colleagues and those she wrote about. It's a balanced book; Ms. McGrory had her human foibles, like any of us. All in all, this is an excellent read, and an informative one. It never gets dry- the pages and chapters zipped past.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a native Washingtonian, in my adolescent years I began reading Mary McGrory's column when she worked for The Evening Star, it was her descriptions and background details of the day's political events that got me interested in politics. Granted Mary McGrory was of a strong Irish Catholic background, her name gives that away, but you learn she was also part German and why she did not disclose that when she discussed her background. So one should not be to surprised when you learn how she helped Adali Stevenson and that she adored John F. and Bobby Kennedy. The author also gives you her personal backstory details on how she lived, her friends and enemies, and her passions. The Star was her first love and the publishers were her friends and in some ways her family, so when it finally had to be shut down, she made that call to the Post. It's amazing how long she kept working and writing, most people would of thrown in the towel, but she kept on it till it killed her. She was Washington's Grand Dame of political opinion writers and I miss her, I wonder what she would say about the politics of today.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book caught my eye in a library display. The first 1/4 of the book felt laborious to me; it seemed like the author wanted to spend as much time as possible on the Kennedy years. It just lacked some momentum. It either gained that momentum partway through the book or I grew accustomed to the style and pace of the writing. I learned a great deal about politics from the 60's through 80's. I frankly feel more jaded about leaders than I did previously, for better or worse. Also, it was saddening to read about the gradual decline of newspapers through the years as television and then the internet took over news reporting. It certainly gave me an enhanced perspective on the problems that anyone can report the news and share opinions as fact, without ever knowing what they are talking about, without being held accountable, and without verifiable facts and sources. This book would be a good fit for anyone interested in journalism, politics, or feminism.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, I got a taste of many genres: biography, women's history, political history, journalism history, and Washington DC history all blended together surrounding one dynamic woman. I have a feeling McGrory might have been difficult to tolerate at times, but what an amazing life. as a columnist, she could cross the line between opinion and objective reporting, but she occasionally went even further in her behind-the-scenes advice to many Democratic party politicians. Heck, as a Boston native who once dated JFK before he was famous, she had an interesting inside track. But even with her leanings toward a certain type of politician, she didn't pull any punches in her column when they didn't take her advice. Definitely an interesting read.

[MaureenMcBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating account of one of the first women newspaper reporters in the country who became an influential voice on national politics. Her life story evokes a bit of Forrest Gump: She covered the McCarthy and Watergate heatings. She gets close to Adlai Stevenson, JFK, LBJ, and other presidents and candidates. She was still working in her 80s when 9/11 happened. At a time when women were not very welcome in journalism, she used her sex to her advantage in ways that would make people cringe now. Norris has a great subject in McGrory, and he does right by her in this well-researched and well-written biography.

[Joann Im · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly researched and written biography about the fearless and intelligent Mary McGrory. I am ashamed to reveal until I dived into this book, I have never heard of this trailblazing reporter. Mary McGrory was a charitable and loving woman whom dedicated her time at a local orphanage but also fierce and sharp behind a typewriter. She was truly loved and respected by her friends, fellow colleagues, and her readers. Reading about Mary's personal and professional life was such a delight but the coverage of the U.S. history, a touch of women's history, the Presidential campaigns, and journalism over time was a fascinating insight. A highly recommended read!

[Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Norris's take on McGrory is extensive, though he seems satisfied to let personal nuances remain in the background. I would have liked to see a more rigorous exploration of her role as vanguard of women in media and the tension with second wave feminism, but as a general survey of her life and works, the book is solid. There are a few moments where he tries to squeeze in anecdotes that are charming but don't do any real work to support the narrative -- however, as with just about any storyteller who greatly admires their subject, it's a forgivable offense.

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never heard of Mary McGrory before but picked this up from a library shelf because the cover made her sound interesting. I found it a fascinating account of her life and her writing career which spanned many years of US politics, and included Watergate and the Kennedy assassination. I can't believe I have never knowingly read any of her pieces before. I found her insights fascinating and thoroughly enjoyed reading about her.

[Katarzyna Malinowska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Świetna biografia jednej z najpotężniejszych dziennikarek amerykańskich. Jeśli dalej myślicie, że amerykańskie dziennikarstwo kończy się na Oprah to sięgnijcie koniecznie po biografię Mary McGrory - kobiety, której bali się amerykańscy prezydenci!

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book takes you through the history of politics with this ground breaking journalist. Be prepared to take some time with this book. Historical books are a chore for me to read so if you choose this one have at it.

[Ania Woźniak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dla mnie za mało Mary w tej biografii. Większość tekstu to opis politycznych potyczek kandydatów na stanowiska i zmagania polityków z kolejnymi problemami. Być może wynika to z faktu, że dziennikarka większość życia poświęciła pracy. Wolałabym jednak pogłębiony opis jej działań.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad that I never heard of her before, but happy that now she is known to me. What an incredible life full of being on the doorstep of history.

[Brendan Daly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read for anyone who read Mary McGrory and is a fan. And even for those who don't love her, it's a good insider's view of Mary's take on major events of the last half of the 20th century.

[lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a bit of a political junky you will love this book!

[Olga Vannucci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary, Mary, legendary,
How did your columns go?
Observation, contemplation,
Smart insider in the know.