Jim Lehrer was a pioneer in the general election debates. As moderator of 12 CPD debates, he introduced new formats that significantly enhanced the educational value of these historic forums. Jim believed that the debates belong to the public and that the moderator’s job is to help the public learn. He was brave, generous, principled and completely honest. The CPD would never have accomplished what it has without his leadership. America has lost an extraordinary newsman and a great patriot.