Ed Schultz

Ed Schultz – Life, Career, and Memorable Quotes

Ed Schultz (1954–2018) was an American talk radio and television host, political commentator, and advocate for working-class America. Dive into his life, career, controversies, and key insights.

Introduction

Edward Andrew Schultz (January 27, 1954 – July 5, 2018) was a provocative, outspoken media figure known for his transition from sports to political commentary, his populist voice, and his dedication to issues affecting the working class. Over decades, Schultz built a presence across radio and television, sometimes stirring controversy, often rallying a base of listeners and viewers who felt unheard by mainstream media. His life offers a study in reinvention, conviction, and the evolving ecosystem of American media.

Early Life and Family

Ed Schultz was born in Norfolk, Virginia, the son of George Schultz, an aeronautical engineer, and Mary Schultz, an English teacher. Maury High School in 1972.

During his youth, Schultz played football and won a scholarship to Minnesota State University Moorhead. There, he excelled as a quarterback: in 1977, he led all NCAA Division II schools in passing yards. Oakland Raiders and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL).

Those early years — of athletic ambition, confronting disappointment, and shifting perspectives — would later inform his media persona and populist appeal.

Career and Achievements

From Sports Broadcasting to Political Talk

After his attempts in pro football, Schultz began his media career in Fargo, North Dakota, working as a sportscaster for local stations including KTHI (now KVLY-TV) and WDAY-TV. North Dakota State University football games beginning in the early 1980s.

By the 1990s, Schultz moved into talk radio. Though early in his talk radio days he held conservative views, over time his views shifted. The Ed Schultz Show, a nationally syndicated talk radio program with a progressive orientation, with support from Democracy Radio.

His radio show grew to more than 100 affiliated stations, including broadcast on XM and Sirius. The Ed Show on MSNBC. The Ed Show aired from 2009 until its cancellation in 2015.

Later, Schultz hosted News with Ed Schultz on RT America, the U.S. subsidiary of the Russian government–funded RT network, from about 2016 until his death.

Political Transformation & Focus

One of Schultz’s defining traits was the shift from more conservative positions to a left-leaning, populist stance over his career.

He embraced advocacy for labor rights, economic inequality, and giving voice to those he viewed as marginalized in mainstream media narratives.

Controversies & Criticism

Schultz was no stranger to controversy. In 2011, he referred to conservative commentator Laura Ingraham on his radio show as a “right-wing slut” and “talk slut.”

Another notable incident involved Schultz’s use of an edited video snippet of Texas Governor Rick Perry. He showed a line about “that big black cloud that hangs over America” and implied the target was President Obama. When the broader context was questioned, he apologized for the error the following day.

These episodes underscored the challenges and scrutiny faced by high-profile media personalities who walk the line between commentary and journalism.

Historical Milestones & Context

• 1954 – Born January 27 in Norfolk, Virginia.

• 1972 – Graduated Maury High School.

• 1977 – Led NCAA Division II in passing yards.

• Early 1980s – Begins sportscasting in Fargo.

• 2004 – Launches The Ed Schultz Show nationally.

• 2009 – Debuts The Ed Show on MSNBC.

• 2015 – The Ed Show ends its run on MSNBC.

• 2016 onward – Hosts News with Ed Schultz on RT America.

• 2018 – Schultz dies on July 5 in Washington, D.C., at age 64.

These milestones reflect a path from sports broadcasting to influential political commentary — a shift in medium and message with evolving national relevance.

Legacy and Influence

1. Voice of the “Forgotten Middle”
   Schultz’s appeal rested on speaking to communities he believed were neglected in mainstream media — rural, working-class, and internal to the U.S. heartland. His style was unapologetically populist.

2. Media Crossovers
   Schultz spanned radio, television, and digital formats (including podcasting), embodying a transitional generation of media figures comfortable with multiple platforms.

3. Partisan Realignment Demonstrated
   His personal shift from conservative to a more liberal orientation illustrated that media figures can evolve over time, bringing authenticity (or skepticism) to such transformations.

4. Cautionary Example for Media Accountability
   His controversies highlighted the need for responsibility when editing, framing, or commenting — especially in a charged political environment. Media commentary that pushes boundaries must balance passion with fairness.

5. Encouragement to Engage the Base
   Schultz inspired other media personalities and commentators to break beyond traditional elite media and reach audiences in less-served regions, trusting that strong voices there would find listeners.

Personality and Traits

Ed Schultz projected qualities of intensity, emotional directness, and moral conviction. He often framed his role as that of a defender or advocate, not merely a neutral observer.

His Midwestern accent, rhetorical style (direct, folksy, sometimes combative), and willingness to challenge both right and left made him distinctive. At times, critics viewed him as too partisan; supporters saw him as an unfiltered voice for people often marginalized in elite discourse.

He was known to value authenticity over style. He expressed that he came from “the heartland” and wasn’t a polished media elite.

Famous Quotes of Ed Schultz

Here are a few memorable lines that reflect his voice and principles:

• “You know, I’m a guy from the Midwest, OK? I’m not a big media type.”

• On partisanship and change: “I am a gun-toting, meat-eating, drug-free liberal from America’s heartland.”

• From The Ed Schultz Show mission: his consistent championing of labor and working Americans. (While not a neat one-liner, his show motto and focus are often summarized in his segments.)

• His apology structure (after the Laura Ingraham incident): “What matters is… what I said was terribly vile … I apologize … I have embarrassed my family … this is the lowest of low for me.”

These lines reflect Schultz’s self-image as a “man of the people,” his bluntness, and his sense of accountability when he crossed lines.

Lessons from Ed Schultz

• Voices Can Change: Schultz’s journey shows that public figures can evolve in their beliefs and still maintain credibility if they communicate honestly about why.

• Speak to the Audiences Others Ignore: Success in media doesn’t always come from elite platforms; Schultz’s resonance was with people outside coastal media centers.

• Boldness Requires Responsibility: Pushing boundaries may bring attention, but the risk of missteps is real — requiring humility, correction, and accountability.

• Media Versatility Is Vital: Schultz worked across radio, television, and newer platforms — adaptability is essential in rapidly changing media landscapes.

• Embrace Tension, Not Avoid It: He often confronted sensitive issues head-on rather than avoiding them — which made him polarizing, but also forceful in his advocacy.

Conclusion

Ed Schultz’s life reflects the tensions of late 20th and early 21st century American media: shifting political paradigms, changes in platform, and the ongoing struggle for representation in the public discourse. From his start as a sports broadcaster in Fargo to becoming a nationally syndicated commentator, Schultz remained tied to a belief in the importance of giving voice to “ordinary” Americans.

While his style sometimes courted criticism, his passion, transformation, and guts to challenge norms leave a lasting lesson: broadcasting is as much about heart as it is about airtime.