Tell me a bio of Joe McGinniss.

Include key facts about their life, career, achievements, and impact.

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Joe McGinniss was an American author, journalist, and television commentator. He was born on August 24, 1934, in New York City, New York, and passed away on March 10, 2014, at the age of 79.

**Early Life and Education**

McGinniss grew up in a middle-class family in New York City. He attended the Choate Rosemary Hall preparatory school and later graduated from Harvard University in 1956 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English.

**Career**

McGinniss began his career as a journalist, working for various publications, including the _New York Herald Tribune_ and _Life_ magazine. He gained recognition for his investigative reporting and his ability to write engaging, in-depth stories.

In 1968, McGinniss published his first book, _The Selling of the President 1968_, which explored the use of advertising techniques in the presidential campaign of Richard Nixon. The book was a critical and commercial success, and it established McGinniss as a prominent author and journalist.

Throughout his career, McGinniss wrote several bestselling books, including:

1. _The Last Brother: The Rise and Fall of Teddy Kennedy_ (1993) - a biography of Senator Ted Kennedy
2. _Dead Certain: The President Clings to Power in the Last Days of the War_ (2008) - a book about the presidency of George W. Bush
3. _The Rogue: Searching for the Real Sarah Palin_ (2011) - a biography of Sarah Palin

**Achievements and Impact**

McGinniss was known for his investigative reporting and his ability to write engaging, in-depth stories. He was a pioneer in the field of narrative nonfiction, and his books often explored the intersection of politics and culture.

McGinniss's work had a significant impact on the public's understanding of politics and the presidency. His books often challenged conventional wisdom and offered a critical perspective on the actions of politicians.

**Personal Life**

McGinniss was married twice and had three children. He was known for his wit and his love of humor, and he was a popular commentator on television and radio.

**Legacy**

Joe McGinniss's legacy as a journalist and author continues to be felt today. His books remain widely read and studied, and his influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary journalists and authors.

In 2014, McGinniss was posthumously awarded the National Book Award for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters.
Joe McGinniss (1942-2014) was an American author and journalist, best known for his investigative and biographical works that often delved into the darker aspects of human nature. Here are some key facts about his life, career, achievements, and impact:

**Early Life**

Joseph McGinniss was born on July 9, 1942, in New York City. He grew up in a family that valued education and encouraged his writing skills from a young age. McGinniss attended Exeter and Harvard University, where he studied history and developed a strong interest in journalism.

**Career**

McGinniss began his writing career as a journalist, working for various publications such as Newsweek and the New York Herald Tribune. He gained fame with his first book, "Selling of the President 1968," which was a critique of the 1968 presidential election and the campaign of Richard Nixon. The book was widely praised and earned McGinniss a reputation as a perceptive and incisive writer.

**Notable Works**

Some of McGinniss' most notable works include:

1. "The Selling of the President 1968" (1969): A critical analysis of the 1968 presidential campaign and the use of media to shape public opinion.
2. "Dead Certain" (2008): A biography of Sarah Palin, which revealed intimate details about her life and personal struggles.
3. "Going to Extremes" (1980): A travelogue that explores the complexities of American life in five different cities.
4. "The Miracle of Castel di Sangro" (1995): A non-fiction book about an Italian football team that won the Italian national championship in 1992.

**Achievements and Impact**

Throughout his career, McGinniss was known for his fearless and in-depth reporting, which often sparked controversy and debate. Some of his achievements and impact include:

1. **Influential Journalism**: McGinniss' work raised the bar for investigative journalism and inspired a new generation of writers and reporters to pursue in-depth storytelling.
2. **Bio-Politics**: His biography of Sarah Palin, "Dead Certain," became a cultural phenomenon and sparked a national conversation about the life and politics of the former governor of Alaska.
3. **Cultural Commentary**: McGinniss' writing often explored the intersection of politics, culture, and American identity, offering a unique perspective on the complexities of modern society.
4. **Industry Recognition**: McGinniss received numerous awards and accolades for his work, including a National Book Award nomination for "Dead Certain."

**Personal Life and Legacy**

Joe McGinniss passed away on March 10, 2014, at the age of 71, due to complications from lung cancer. His legacy continues to influence contemporary journalism and writing, and his work remains a testament to the power of in-depth storytelling and investigative reporting.