John McLaughlin Misses First McLaughlin Group in 34 Years

By Chris Ariens 

For the first time in more than 3 decades, John McLaughlin was not well enough to host his Sunday morning public affairs show. At the start of the show, a slate appeared that read, “I am under the weather … my spirit is strong and my dedication to the show remains absolute.”

“This is the first time in 34 years that our distinguished leader Dr. McLaughlin is not his his chair, and we miss him, but let’s get on with the show,” said panelist Pat Buchanan.

McLaughlin, 89, had recorded voice-over portions of the show, where he announces his trademark, “Issue One… ”

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Other regular panelists Eleanor Clift, Clarence Page and Tom Rogan were there to debate the issues, which leaned heavily on the presidential race. McLaughlin’s usual seat in between the two sets of panelists was replaced by a side table.

At the end of the show, Rogan added, “On behalf of the panel we all want to say to John, we’re thinking of you and you have our very best.”

McLaughlin Group went on the air January 1, 1982 and was produced at NBC’s WRC in Washington, D.C., a relationship that lasted until 2008. Since then, it has been produced at D.C. affiliate WUSA and airs on many CBS and PBS stations across the country.

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