Douglass Cater

Silas Douglass Cater Jr. (August 24, 1923 – September 15, 1995) was an American journalist, political aide, and college president. Cater started his career as a journalist for The Reporter and, in 1964, became an aide for Lyndon B. Johnson. After his time in the White House, Cater was a fellow at the Aspen Institute and the vice chairman of The Observer. In 1982, Cater became the 22nd president of Washington College. He retired to Montgomery, Alabama in 1991 and died in 1995.

Early life and education Douglass Cater was born in Montgomery, Alabama on August 24, 1923, to Nancy Chesnutt Cater and Silas Douglass Cater Sr. His father was a local elected official, Alabama State Senator, and lawyer. Cater was educated at Phillips Exeter Academy and Harvard University.

The Reporter In 1950, Cater became a journalist for The Reporter, serving as the Washington editor and the national affairs editor. While a journalist, Cater wrote The Fourth Branch of Government which examined how the press can be used to further disinformation by unquestioningly printing the statements of politicians. The book concentrated on the Second Red Scare and how Joseph McCarthy used the press to further his goals.

Post-political career In 1970, Cater joined the Aspen Institute as a senior fellow. Later that decade after Robert Orville Anderson purchased The Observer, Cater became the publication's vice chairman.

Personal life Cater was married to Libby Anderson Cater. The Caters had two sons, Silas and Ben, and two daughters, Sage and Morrow.

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