Cokie Roberts

Cokie Roberts was a renowned American journalist, author, and National Public Radio commentator, known for her in-depth coverage of United States politics and Washington, D.C. events, including the Watergate scandal and the Iran-Contra affair. She worked for prominent news organizations such as ABC News, National Public Radio, and PBS NewsHour, alongside notable journalists like Ted Koppel and Judy Woodruff. Roberts was also a bestselling author, writing books like We Are Our Mothers' Daughters and Ladies of Liberty, which explored the lives of Abigail Adams, Dolley Madison, and other influential women in American history, including Eleanor Roosevelt and Hillary Clinton. Her work often intersected with that of other prominent female journalists, such as Katie Couric and Christianne Amanpour.

● Early Life and Education

Cokie Roberts was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, to a family of politicians, including her father, Hale Boggs, a U.S. Representative from Louisiana's 2nd congressional district, and her mother, Lindy Boggs, who later became a United States Ambassador to the Holy See. Roberts grew up in Washington, D.C., attending Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart and later graduating from Wellesley College, where she studied political science and was influenced by notable professors like Nannerl Keohane. During her time at Wellesley College, Roberts was exposed to the work of prominent female politicians, including Shirley Chisholm and Geraldine Ferraro, who would later become the first female vice presidential candidate from a major party.

● Career

Roberts began her career in journalism in the 1960s, working as a producer for WRC-TV in Washington, D.C., covering local news and events, including the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and the 1968 Democratic National Convention. She later joined CBS News as a correspondent, reporting on national news and politics, including the 1972 United States presidential election and the Senate Watergate hearings. In the 1980s, Roberts moved to National Public Radio, where she became a regular commentator and analyst, often appearing on programs like Morning Edition and All Things Considered, alongside other notable journalists like Robert Siegel and Susan Stamberg. Her work at National Public Radio also intersected with that of other prominent journalists, including Daniel Schorr and Nina Totenberg.

● Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Cokie Roberts received numerous awards and honors for her work, including multiple Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award for her coverage of the 2008 United States presidential election and the 2010 United States midterm elections. She was also awarded the Edward R. Murrow Award for her reporting on the Supreme Court and the United States Congress. In addition, Roberts was recognized for her contributions to journalism by organizations like the National Press Club, the White House Correspondents' Association, and the Radio and Television Correspondents' Association, alongside other notable journalists like Tim Russert and Bob Schieffer.

● Personal Life

Cokie Roberts was married to journalist Steven Roberts, with whom she had two children, Rebecca Roberts and Lee Roberts. The couple often collaborated on projects, including writing books like From This Day Forward and Our Haggadah, which explored their Jewish heritage and family traditions. Roberts was also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Trilateral Commission, and she served on the boards of organizations like the Newseum and the National Archives and Records Administration, alongside other notable figures like David McCullough and Doris Kearns Goodwin.

● Death and Legacy

Cokie Roberts passed away on September 17, 2019, at the age of 75, due to complications from breast cancer. Her death was met with an outpouring of tributes from the journalism community, including statements from National Public Radio, ABC News, and PBS NewsHour, as well as from notable politicians like Nancy Pelosi and Mitch McConnell. Roberts' legacy continues to be felt in the world of journalism, with many young journalists citing her as an inspiration and a role model, including Sarah Kendzior and Glenn Kessler. Her work also continues to be recognized by organizations like the Pulitzer Prize board and the National Academy of Sciences, which have honored her contributions to journalism and American history, alongside those of other notable journalists like Walter Cronkite and Edward R. Murrow. Category:American journalists