Remembering TV Icon Phil Donahue: He Brought Antiwar Voices to the Airwaves Until MSNBC Fired Him

The acclaimed television host Phil Donahue died Sunday at the age of 88. Donahue’s commitment to bringing major social and political issues to the American public spanned decades, a mission that was perhaps best encapsulated by his platforming of antiwar perspectives during the leadup to the Iraq War. He was fired in 2003 from his eponymous MSNBC talk show for doing so. In 2013, Democracy Now! spoke to Donahue about his firing. We play an excerpt from that interview and speak to journalist Jeff Cohen, who served as a senior producer on MSNBC’s Donahue before its cancellation. “Phil was a progressive. He was for peace and justice. He exuded it. It’s what made him tick,” recalls Cohen.

[greatedges]

I was one of those who followed Phil Donahue's daily morning show. It was always honest and always respectful of our intelligence. It was also entertaining and surprising. Donahue is an American hero! So sorry to hear of his passing. RIP great man... Thank you, Democracy Now, you for this coverage.

[myrtillesm]

It's much better to lose a job than to lose one soul.
Bravo to all those who stand with justice, equity, respect and humanity for all

[gloriafarmer]

Great host! So long Phil Donohue. Rest in peace.

[Ellieempress]

Definitely an individual who’s presence and work will be missed.

[jo-annerichardson]

I think Phil Donahue was ahead of his time from the start. I was just a kid and knew he had the best, intelligent show ever. Thank you for the tribute. RIP Phil.❤❤

[veronicavarela]

I loved Phil Donahue, he was a man of integrity and love.

[CEELOW]

Phil always came across as a genuinely good man - Fly High, Phil 🕊

[virginiamiller]

I so loved Phil's strength and character and the love between Marlo and him. R.I, P, Phil ad thanks for everything you gave to the psyche of this country!!!

[hassanshayegannik]

This man of social justice ill be deeply missed. Thanks!

[karlad]

Donahue was a voice for the most vulnerable in America. He was my hero. May his beautiful soul rest in peace 🙏🏼 He will be missed 😢

[coppachahta]

The one and only fair and balanced Talk Show host who asked the serious hard nosed questions about anything everything and everyone Mr Phil Donahue Showed us fortunate enough to have witness the True Face of Uncompromising Truth in Journalism Rise in Paradise my friend ✋🏾🙏🏾🤚🏾

[sherylstrack]

I loved watching Phil Donahue, his show was ground breaking as he brought dialogue to the American people kept in the dark by bureaucrats that we needed to hear an honest perspective on. As a young woman raising small children it opened up my world as to what was going on watching the Donahue show everyday. Bless you sir You have done a profound honor for this world You have now left.❤

[bohditony]

Phil not afraid to bring guests who had alternative views together with popular views. Miss him since 2003

[maitreya]

RIP Phil Donahue. I used to watch his show as a young foreign student in the US during the 80s like an addiction

[cathyc]

I went to a taping of Phil Donahue’s show when he was in Las Vegas, what an amazing experience. Phil was one of a kind.

[UKindness]

This man was a person of integrity, critical thinking and stood up for what is right He was only one who ever did a show on the inability to file and get justice in legal malpractice. I truly respected and loved this man. Rip spectacular human being, the best of America.

[Starlight-vsot]

I am so very sad to hear this. RIP Mr. Donahue. I grew up watching the show and just loved it. Much respect for him for standing up for peace, equity, and justice. Thank you Democracy Now.

[olenakush]

Phil Donahue was a hero for being a Voice of many of US people who stand for Peace and Anti-War movement. Sad to hear about his passing. Condolences to his family.

[mellow-jello]

RIP I was watching him as a kid in the 80s - early 90s during the summers, when he was a daytime talk show host. He kept to his guns to give voice to various views, and believed in open press. He puts current anchors and talk show hosts to shame.

[normanquebedeau]

in 2003 MSNBC fired Donahue and replaced him with Michael Savage. That told me all I would ever need to know about trusting cable news.