Philip Graham and The Washington Post
Early Life and Education
Philip Leslie Graham was born on July 18, 1915, in Terry, South Dakota. He was raised in a Lutheran family and went on to attend the University of Florida, where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Economics. Following this, Graham pursued his law degree at Harvard Law School, where he exhibited a keen interest in journalism and politics.
Career and The Washington Post
In 1940, Philip Graham married Katharine Meyer, the daughter of Eugene Meyer, the then-owner of The Washington Post. After serving in the military during World War II, Graham joined The Washington Post in 1946 and became its publisher in 1948. Under his leadership, the newspaper grew significantly in both influence and prestige.
The Washington Post
The Washington Post, commonly referred to as "the Post," is an American daily newspaper published in Washington, D.C. Known for its comprehensive political reporting, the newspaper became particularly influential during the latter half of the 20th century. Graham's tenure as publisher marked the beginning of the Post's rise to national prominence.
Operation Mockingbird
During the early years of the Cold War, The Washington Post was implicated in Operation Mockingbird, an alleged large-scale program orchestrated by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). This operation supposedly involved recruiting leading American journalists to influence domestic and international public opinion through covert propaganda. The Post, under Graham's leadership, was one of the key newspapers reportedly involved in this operation.
Personal Struggles and Legacy
Philip Graham struggled with bipolar disorder, which significantly impacted his personal and professional life. Despite his challenges, he played an instrumental role in shaping modern American journalism. His wife, Katharine Graham, succeeded him as publisher following his tragic suicide in 1963, continuing his work and further elevating The Washington Post's status.