John F. Osborne

John F. Osborne (15 March 1907–May 3 1981) was an American journalist.

He was born in Corinth, Mississippi. Known for his courtly manners, he had a slow drawl and a quiet demeanor, which belied his sharp political sense. While in Washington, D.C., he was a very respected member-some said the most respected by the other members--of The White House Press Corps.

He married twice. His widow, Gertrude (Trudi) McCullough Osborne, the daughter of an Indiana senator, was also a writer. She died in Washington, D.C. in 1994. She was the mother of his only child, John F. Osborne III.

He was an editor at Time–Life, eventually becoming the London-based editor, and then the Far East editor, based in Hong Kong in the 1950s. After returning to the United States, he lived in Georgetown and in Sag Harbor, Long Island, New York. He later became senior editor at "New Republic". He was the author of several books on Richard Nixon and one on Gerald Ford, and for many years wrote "The Nixon Watch" column, followed by "The White House Watch". Winner of several awards, including the Polk Award for journalism.

His work landed him on the Nixon's Enemies List, a limited master list of famous people that President Nixon considered his direct political opponents. He, along with almost all of the others on this list, took it as a point of pride.

In addition to his political books, he authored two of the Time-Life series books: "England", and "The South".

References

*Staff report (Jun 28, 1973). Lists of White House 'Enemies' and Memorandums Relating to Those Named. "New York Times"
*Staff report (May 3, 1981). John Osborne Dies; Editor at Magazine. "New York Times"