Date of Birth: May 25, 1937
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Date of Death: June 18, 2022
Biography
Mark Shields was an American political columnist and commentator, best known for his incisive and often witty political analysis. Born in Weymouth, Massachusetts, Shields had a long-standing career in journalism that spanned several decades. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1959. Shields began his career in politics, working as a legislative assistant and later as a campaign manager for various Democratic candidates. His deep understanding of the American political landscape eventually led him to a career in journalism. Shields became a fixture on PBS, where he provided political commentary for the “PBS NewsHour” from 1988 until his retirement in 2020. His thoughtful analysis and sharp wit made him a beloved figure among viewers. In addition to his work on PBS, Shields was a regular contributor to CNN and wrote a syndicated column for Creators Syndicate. His columns frequently appeared in major newspapers across the United States.
5 Interesting Facts about Mark Shields
1. Mark Shields served in the United States Marine Corps before embarking on his career in politics and journalism.
2. He authored a book titled “On the Campaign Trail,” which provided an insider’s view of American political campaigns.
3. Shields was known for his bipartisan approach and often paired with conservative commentators to provide balanced perspectives.
4. He was a visiting fellow at Harvard’s Institute of Politics, sharing his vast knowledge and experience with students.
5. Shields received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Notre Dame in 2016.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Mark Shields
1. “There is always strength in numbers. The more individuals or organizations that you can rally to your cause, the better.”
2. “In politics, when you’re explaining, you’re losing.”
3. “Character is destiny.”
4. “The only way to do news on television is not to be terrified of it.”
5. “A politician thinks of the next election. A statesman, of the next generation.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Mark Shields’ net worth was estimated to be around $1.5 million.
Children
Mark Shields had one daughter, Amy Shields Doyle, who is known for her work as a social worker and community advocate.
Relevant Links
1. [PBS NewsHour Biography](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/people/mark-shields
2. [Creators Syndicate Column](https://www.creators.com/author/mark-shields
3. [University of Notre Dame Alumni Award](https://www.nd.edu/stories/mark-shields/
4. [CNN Contributions](https://www.cnn.com/profiles/mark-shields
5. [Harvard Institute of Politics](https://iop.harvard.edu/fellows/mark-shields