Political Punch
Power, pop, and probings from ABC News Senior White House Correspondent Jake Tapper

« Previous | Main | Next »

Stephanie Tubbs Jones, R.I.P.

August 20, 2008 7:29 PM

The weirdness of the media reports of her death aside -- first she was said to have passed away, then not, now we're told she died shortly after 6 pm this evening -- the death of Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, D-Ohio, is a big loss for House Democrats. Not politically -- the seat will stay Democratic -- but emotionally.

Tubbs Jones was probably Hillary Clinton's best and strongest surrogate. She was an incredibly inspiring figure in Ohio -- the first black woman to ever serve in the House representing the Buckeye state. She was a former judge and a force to be reckoned with in the House.

And she knew how to operate within Congress -- she was very savvy. The first black woman to serve on the House Ways and Means committee. She also had a decent sense of humor -- check out her appearance on "Better Know a District" on The Colbert Report.

- jpt

August 20, 2008 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (36)

User Comments

Feed You can follow this conversation by subscribing to the comment feed for this post.

Stephanie Tubbs Jones - RIP
Strong, independent, smart, hard-working woman. She was an asset to Ohio.


Posted by: pls go away | Aug 20, 2008 8:36:37 PM

God Bless Stephanie you were on heck of a friend.

Posted by: rachel | Aug 20, 2008 8:34:52 PM

RIP Miss Jones.
You will truly be missed!

Posted by: Mavis | Aug 20, 2008 8:29:24 PM

Jake... What you describe as "weirdness" of media reports can probably be attributed to hospital privacy policies. My wife has worked in a hospital for many years, and under the new Federal guidelines, it is almost impossible to find out how a patient is doing, even if you're a close relative.

The most a reporter can get out of a hospital is usually "resting comfortably" if they will even tell you the person is a patient!

I am sorry about Ms. Tubbs' death, but if there's anything positive, it's that she suffered very little, if any. When my time comes, I'd like to go that fast and almost painlessly.

I watched my father die of lung cancer from cigarettes, and it was ugly. Ms. Tubbs died a more dignified death.

Posted by: Rhys | Aug 20, 2008 8:28:44 PM

May God Bless her soul and comfort her family in this time of sorrow. Stephanie Tubbs Jones was a woman of strong independent conviction. I respect her for her solidarity and I will miss her infectious smile,she was a loyal friend as she proved this year in her actions. God Bless You, America thanks you for your service, now your job here on earth is done and rest will come.

Posted by: Kim | Aug 20, 2008 8:27:56 PM

To the Lady with the Golden Smile - Rest in Peace sweet Lady. You lit up the planet with your presence. Now you will light up the heavens. You will be missed!

Posted by: julescator | Aug 20, 2008 8:25:33 PM

This is so sad. Stephanie Tubbs Jones was one of the best members of the House. Vibrant, great sense of humor, a real activist, and progressive. She will be sorely missed. Rest in peace, Stephanie. You will not be forgotten.

Posted by: MavericksHMB | Aug 20, 2008 8:23:52 PM

R.I.P.

She is at a better place ...

Posted by: HC4BO | Aug 20, 2008 8:23:34 PM

I know almost nothing of the lady but she has my deepest respect.

She had the courage to stand by HIllary when everybody else were jumping ship for their political future. The fact that she was black makes her action even more poignant.

I hope Hillary goes to her funeral and gives her eulogy.

Posted by: coolrepublica | Aug 20, 2008 8:21:52 PM

Rest in Peace, Stephanie. You will be missed.

Posted by: LeeLee07 | Aug 20, 2008 8:18:41 PM

I am heartsick at the loss of this dynamic, inspiring woman. The entire country will miss her.

Posted by: ann | Aug 20, 2008 8:12:19 PM

We can only hope that such a woman, such a patriot, such a champion of
human rights, is honored as well as NBC's Mr. Russet.


Posted by: reminnov | Aug 20, 2008 8:11:30 PM

RIP Ms Jones.
We'll miss you...

Posted by: catleya | Aug 20, 2008 8:04:19 PM

Congressman Tubbs always had the BEST smile and always lit up a room.

I am an Obama supporter but I really appreciated just how enthusiastic she always was for Hillary.

Posted by: Mary | Aug 20, 2008 8:02:23 PM

Such a force...and what a shock. She clearly showed that race is not an issue, whatever your roots we all are the same at death. Her energy and humour leave a void in the political landscape.


Posted by: i am so I can!!!! | Aug 20, 2008 7:56:27 PM


Stephanie Tubbs Jones, you are now in the arms of the angels, you will find rest and peace. God bless and keep you!

Posted by: TerryDo-Puma-+ | Aug 20, 2008 7:47:25 PM

Post a comment





 

POLITICAL VIDEOS