Beckel and Me: An Odd Couple

We met over television, as is the norm in Washington’s political world. I was immediately attracted to him, despite the fact that we had different religious and political beliefs.

Bob Beckel became a friend of mine, and then we were more than just friends. After debating an old topic on Fox News Channel twenty years ago we returned to the greenroom where I observed a look of sadness. “Are you OK, Bob?” I asked. In what he would later describe as a rare moment of transparency, he said, “No, I’m not,” and began to cry. He was the most beautiful person I have ever seen. I was told by him that his personal life was in disarray and that he received death threats. The accusation was denied by him.

I told him, “You need Jesus, who will change your life.” He said he had tried everything else and it hadn’t worked, so he was open.

After giving him a Bible and a book titled “Evidence that Demands a Verdict”, Bob started coming to church with me and came to believe what Scripture says about our need for redemption and a Redeemer.

The relationship that followed was unique and lasted to the end, when he passed away last week.

In the early 2000s, we decided to write a column together called “Common Ground” in which we presented our positions on certain issues and then tried to reach agreement at some level. USA Today bought our idea immediately and featured us on their op-ed pages for 10 years. The same title was also used in a book we co-authored.

Our greatest influence was evident on the lecture circuit. Bob shared his story with alcoholism openly and his authenticity won over conservative audiences.

We traveled together, ate together, and got to know each other and our respective “stories” in ways that rarely happen in Washington these days. At the end of our presentation, I would say that I rejected the notion that Bob was on “the other side.” Both of our fathers were in World War II. They weren’t fighting for or against Franklin Roosevelt, but to preserve an ideal. America was always an idealist country. To put somebody on the opposite side, we need to make external enemies, such as the Ayatollah of Iran or the leaders in China and Russia. Let’s not destroy each other. Our fellow Americans are us.

Bob would stand up, then tell how God had saved him and introduce me to God. There were wild cheers in the crowd as they hugged. People would say, “Why can’t we see more of this in Washington?” It helped that neither of us were interested in running for office, which would mean having to raise money and say things to satisfy various interest groups.

There will be Republicans and Democrats as well as liberals and conservatives attending his funeral service next week. There will be moments of unity. Bob was my dearest and closest friend. Our hope is that others will be inspired by our friendship if we want to be a nation.

Argue, yes, but don’t demean the humanity or patriotism of someone with whom you disagree. Bob encouraged people to listen to others who are from different religious or political parties. He said that even though you might not agree with one another, understanding the other person will be a greater benefit.

It is sound advice. It would be a great way to honor Bob and carry on his legacy. Bob, Rest in Peace. Bob, you have completed the race. You kept your faith. We will see each other again.