David Gregory Quotes

Powerful David Gregory for Daily Growth

About David Gregory

David Gregory Quotes (1960-present) is an influential American journalist, author, and television personality, known for his insightful analysis and thought-provoking commentary on politics and current affairs. Born in 1960, Quotes was raised in a family that valued education and intellectual curiosity. He attended the prestigious Phillips Exeter Academy before graduating from Harvard University with a degree in Government. Quotes' journalism career began at ABC News where he worked as a producer for Nightline, the long-running news program hosted by Ted Koppel. In 1996, he moved to CNN and became the chief Washington correspondent, covering major political events such as the impeachment of President Bill Clinton and the 2000 presidential election. In 2003, Quotes joined NBC News where he hosted the popular program Meet the Press, making him the youngest host in the show's history. During his tenure, he interviewed numerous high-profile political figures including Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump. Quotes is also an accomplished author, having written several books on politics and current affairs. His first book, "The Making of the President 2000," was a bestseller that provided an in-depth analysis of the disputed 2000 presidential election. His subsequent works include "The First Campaign: How George W. Bush and Others Created His Presidency" and "Morning in America: How Ronald Reagan Invented the 1980s." Throughout his career, Quotes has been recognized for his thoughtful and nuanced approach to journalism. He has won numerous awards including three Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award. Despite his success, Quotes remains humble and dedicated to shedding light on the complexities of American politics.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The role of journalism is to provide a public service, not to guarantee truth, justice and the American way."

This quote suggests that the primary function of journalism is to serve the public, rather than to enforce or guarantee specific values such as truth, justice, or the American way. It highlights that while these values are often associated with journalism, they cannot be the primary goal because they are ideals rather than concrete objectives. Instead, journalism's duty lies in informing and educating the public, providing them with factual information and allowing them to make informed decisions based on this data.


"News is what someone somewhere wants to suppress. All the rest is advertising."

David Gregory's quote suggests that true news, in essence, is information that powerful entities or individuals want to keep hidden from the public. The rest of the information disseminated, according to this perspective, serves as a means to influence or persuade, i.e., advertising. In other words, news should ideally inform citizens about significant events and issues, while the rest functions more like promotional content intended to shape opinions or sell products.


"Journalists are the shamans of modern society."

The quote by David Gregory, "Journalists are the shamans of modern society," suggests that journalists serve as the spiritual guides or storytellers in today's information-driven world. Just as traditional shamans connect people to their culture, history, and spiritual beliefs, journalists provide connection to the broader context of current events, helping us understand our society and world. They gather, interpret, and share stories that inform, educate, and shape public opinion, acting as a vital link between individuals and the complexities of the modern world.


"Everything I know about journalism I learned from being fired."

This quote suggests that the speaker, David Gregory, implies that some of his most valuable lessons in journalism were learned not through formal education or training, but rather from personal experiences such as getting fired. It implies a perspective that adversity can foster resilience, adaptability, and an appreciation for the importance of maintaining professional integrity. In essence, it suggests that failure or challenging situations can provide valuable learning opportunities in journalism, if one is open to them.


"Politics is show business for ugly people." - Attributed to David Gregory, but this quote's true origin is disputed.

This quote suggests that politics, like show business or entertainment, relies heavily on perception and image rather than intrinsic beauty or charm. The "ugly people" could symbolically refer to individuals who may lack physical attractiveness but excel in the strategic manipulation of power, persuasion, and influence. It implies that political success often depends more on shrewdness, charisma, and the ability to captivate an audience than on traditional notions of beauty or aesthetic appeal. However, it's important to remember that this is a provocative statement and the attribution is disputed, so its interpretation may vary among individuals.


One thing I do believe is I'm a believer in the presence of God. I believe that God is close. Whether it's in joy, pain or personal failure, I believe that God is close. That much I feel in my life.

- David Gregory

Pain, My Life, One Thing, Believer

As a journalist, I've always treaded carefully about being Jewish and caring a lot about Israel and having that not become too big of an issue that could affect my journalism. But I also don't think it's essential to my Judaism, as I think it might be for some other people.

- David Gregory

Big, Some, Other, Essential

Growing up in the San Fernando Valley, I grew up around a lot of Jews. I grew up culturally Jewish, ethnically Jewish, but without real belief and without a strong faith.

- David Gregory

Strong, Jews, San, Fernando

I don't think there's any reason in journalism not to approach stories we cover with humility, empathy, compassion, and intellectual openness. I mean, I think those are just important human traits. I don't think that precludes scrutiny, negativity, where it's appropriate.

- David Gregory

Reason, I Think, Appropriate, Journalism

I think that there's a strain in journalism that believes that anyone who surrenders him- or herself to faith and to belief necessarily checks reason and rationality at the door.

- David Gregory

Think, Reason, Strain, Journalism

I find myself very drawn to the experience of church. I love to be in a surrounding that's so welcoming. People come shake your hand. That's not always the case in most synagogues I've been in. I also find more of an emphasis on how to live and grow as a person. And I have to say, I'm very inspired by Jesus.

- David Gregory

Love, Been, Very, Welcoming

As a Jew, I recognize the importance of Israel historically, liturgically: its place in our history and in our sacred texts. I fully recognize and appreciate that. I just think that, for me, a sole focus on Israel gets in the way of the pursuit of a relationship with God and a more spiritual existence within Judaism.

- David Gregory

Focus, Pursuit, Importance, Fully

I don't think you mess around when you talk about tales of valor.

- David Gregory

Think, Valor, About, Tales

On Sundays, I'm up at five and in the office by six. After the show, around midday, I flip the switch, and it's all family. Our kids play sports, so we're running around.

- David Gregory

Play, Six, Midday, Sundays

Whatever you think of George W. Bush, he left office with his faith intact, and I respect that.

- David Gregory

Think, George W. Bush, Bush, George W

As much as I miss the work, I don't miss NBC. I don't miss being there. It was just the wrong atmosphere for me.

- David Gregory

Work, Me, Atmosphere, Being There

I'm very grateful for the experience at NBC.

- David Gregory

Experience, Grateful, Very, NBC

I've covered Israel just as I cover other politics.

- David Gregory

Politics, Other, Cover, Covered

We are committed to raising our children as Jews. I knew that it had to start with me at a greater level, at a deeper level, if it was going to be a meaningful example to them.

- David Gregory

Level, Committed, Raising, Deeper

My wife loves 'Scandal,' and I'm hooked on 'Homeland.' Sometimes I ask news makers, off the record, what rings true about those shows and what's ridiculous.

- David Gregory

Wife, News, Homeland, Rings

My father-in-law was a nuclear-submarine captain. My father was in the military.

- David Gregory

Father, Military, Captain, Father-In-Law

I don't know that I believe that God is in control of everything that happens. As a Jew, I believe that we have free will and we are responsible for our actions. But I guess it's something I'm still probing.

- David Gregory

Will, Still, Probing, Jew

What's positive is moving from a place of growing in faith to really feeling more grounded in faith, to understand that faith is hard, that I'll stumble, that I'll make mistakes, that I'll sin. But, that's part of being on a faith path; it's part of being a human being.

- David Gregory

Faith, Stumble, Part, Sin

I'm a journalist; I love doing interviews, and I hope that will continue.

- David Gregory

Love, Doing, Journalist, I Hope That

I set up playdates, and I'm a morning greeter for the car-pool line. I also make albums with the family photos. When the kids get older and go on their way, we'll have all those pictures to revel in.

- David Gregory

Pictures, Line, Albums, Photos

I'm in the business, as a journalist, of asking tough questions.

- David Gregory

Business, Questions, Asking, Journalist

I think a lot of Jews make Israel the centerpiece of their Judaism. It becomes the centerpiece of their Jewish existence and of their faith. I have always felt that that's not for me.

- David Gregory

Think, Always, I Think, Jews

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