A Pioneering Voice in the Blogosphere: The Life and Legacy of Kevin Drum
Kevin Drum, a trailblazing blogger who left an indelible mark on the world of online journalism, passed away on March 7 at the age of 66. His wife, Marian Drum, announced his death on his website, though she did not disclose the exact location or cause. Drum, who had been living in Irvine, California, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2014 and had recently developed pneumonia. Throughout his life, he confronted personal challenges with candor and resilience, blogging openly about his health struggles with the same insight he brought to his analyses of politics, policy, and even urban planning. His ability to blend personal and public reflections earned him a unique place in the blogging world, where he became a key figure during the genre’s golden era in the early 2000s.
Drum’s journey into blogging began in 2002, and he quickly built a nationwide following, helping to shape the liberal blogosphere. Unlike many prominent bloggers of his time, who often hailed from the Washington-Boston corridor or academic circles, Drum was a product of Orange County, California. This outsider perspective allowed him to approach topics with a fresh voice,distinct from the ideological and partisan divides that dominated much of the blogosphere. His writing style—casually observational at times, rigorously analytical at others—set him apart. He had a remarkable ability to engage with diverse perspectives, summarizing and commenting on the views of various camps with fairness and judiciousness, qualities that his peers often lacked.
From Software Marketing to Political Commentary: The Evolution of a Blogger
Before becoming a full-time blogger, Drum worked in software marketing, but his true passion lay in writing. He eventually left his day job to focus on blogging, a decision that thrust him into the spotlight of the center-left blogging movement. In 2004, he was hired by Washington Monthly to write its Political Animal blog, where he quickly made a name for himself. Four years later, he moved to Mother Jones, expanding his contributions to include in-depth reported pieces for the magazine. One of his most notable works was a 2013 investigation into the link between childhood exposure to lead in gasoline and paint and the crime wave of the late 20th century. His ability to distill complex, economically driven stories into readable narratives earned him widespread acclaim.
Drum’s blogging style was not just analytical; it was also deeply human. He cultivated a lively and civil comments section, which became a virtual gathering place for readers in the pre-social media era. While many blogs of the time tolerated partisan rhetoric and personal attacks, Drum insisted on maintaining a tone of respect and civility. This approach extended beyond his writing to his moderation of comments, creating a space where ideas could be exchanged without the venom that often characterized online discourse. His commitment to civility was a hallmark of his career, distinguishing him from many of his contemporaries.
Friday Cat Blogging and the Personal Touch
One of Drum’s most enduring contributions to blogging culture was Friday Cat Blogging, a quirky tradition he started in 2004. After a particularly heavy week of writing about the world’s problems, Drum found solace in the simple joy of photographing his cat, Inkblot, and sharing the image with his readers. This lighthearted gesture quickly became a weekly staple, with other bloggers following suit. Friday Cat Blogging was more than just a charming indulgence; it represented the unique balance Drum brought to his work—serious yet humorous, wonkish yet soulful. By lowering the temperature of heated debates and blurring the lines between writers, subjects, and readers, Drum helped redefine the boundaries of journalism in the 21st century.
A Career Marked by Independence and Integrity
Drum’s career was defined by his independence and commitment to integrity. Even as he became a prominent voice in online journalism, he remained true to his roots. When he moved to Mother Jones, he not only expanded his influence but also played a key role in increasing the magazine’s online readership. Yet, he famously refused pay raises, insisting that the money be allocated to support the magazine’s fellows program. His selflessness and dedication to the craft were evident even as he navigated personal challenges, including his cancer diagnosis in 2014, which he announced with characteristic humor.
Despite his centrist outlook, Drum occasionally faced criticism, particularly as the liberal blogosphere shifted further left. Controversies arose over his critiques of the use of subtitles in the film Parasite and his skepticism of Tara Reade’s sexual misconduct allegations against Joe Biden. However, Drum remained unfazed by the backlash, maintaining his commitment to critical thinking and open discourse. His ability to take ideas seriously without taking himself too seriously was a testament to his intellectual humility and dedication to the pursuit of truth.
Legacy: A Reimagined Journalism
Kevin Drum’s legacy lies in his redefinition of journalism for the digital age. Blogging, he believed, should exist outside the rigid rules of mainstream journalism, allowing for a more vibrant and dynamic exchange of ideas. His work influenced a generation of writers and reshaped the way news was consumed and discussed online. After leaving Mother Jones in 2021, Drum returned to his blogging roots, launching his own site, Jabberwocking, a fitting culmination of a career spent challenging conventions and pushing boundaries. Though he may be gone, his impact on journalism—and the countless readers he inspired—will endure.
In the end, Kevin Drum’s story is one of curiosity, resilience, and a steadfast belief in the power of ideas. From his early days as a software marketer to his rise as a blogging pioneer, he carved out a unique path, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inform, inspire, and delight. His cats, Hilbert and Charlie, may have captured the hearts of his readers, but it was his humanity, intellect, and unwavering commitment to civil discourse that left an indelible mark on the world of journalism.
