Howard Fineman, experienced political journalist, dies at the age of 75

Howard Fineman, a longtime political journalist and television correspondent, died on Tuesday, June 11, at the age of 75 after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

His wife Amy Nathan shared the tragic news on social media.

“I am heartbroken to share that my brilliant and extraordinary husband passed away last night surrounded by his beloved family,” she wrote on June 12. “He bravely battled pancreatic cancer for two years.”

She continued: “He could not have been more revered. The world was a better place because he lived in it and wrote about it.”

For 30 years, Fineman worked as a reporter for Newsweek, where he served as chief political correspondent, and was an analyst for NBC News and MSNBC.

According to his IMDb, he appeared in 24 episodes of Hardball with Chris Matthews from 2004 to 2014 and 5 episodes of Countdown with Keith Olbermann from 2006 to 2009.

The reporter covered the 2000 presidential campaign and the presidency of George W. Bush for the newspaper, writing several cover stories, including the then-president’s first in-depth interview after the September 11 attacks.

While at Newsweek, Fineman also covered the first term of Barack Obama’s presidency, writing a thoughtful article about the administration in 2010, saying in his last article before moving to the Huffington Post, “It could have been worse. And if we’re not careful, it probably will.”

In the early days of his career, the late reporter appeared on PBS Washington week in review from 1983 to 1995 and at CNN Capital Gang from 1995 to 1998, according to his biography on NBC News.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

President Joe Biden issued a statement on his death on Thursday, June 13, writing: “For four decades, Howard Fineman was one of the greatest journalists of our time. His career covered much of my career, and during debates on big issues and historic campaigns, I respected his reporting and insights whether I agreed with him or not.”

Biden also commented on Fineman’s family: “In the decades we knew each other, what was most clear was that his love for family was the greatest story he ever told. Jill and I send our love to Amy and her children, Nick and Meredith.”

“We know what it’s like when cancer takes the life of a loved family member. But no matter where you are, it will always be with you,” he added.

Fineman shared a photo with Biden on social media in 2023, recalling that the president was a guest lecturer in his seminar when he taught at the University of Pennsylvania.