Political Commentator and Columnist Mark Shields Dies at 85

Mark Shields, a syndicated columnist and political analyst, speaks during a memorial service for the late U.S. Sen. William Proxmire at the National Cathedral in Washington, on April 1, 2006. Haraz N. Ghanbari/AP Photo

CHEVY CHASE, Md.—Columnist and political commentator Mark Shields, who shared his insight into American politics and wit on “PBS NewsHour” for decades, died Saturday. He was 85.

Shields died at his Chevy Chase, Maryland, home, from kidney failure, “PBS NewsHour” spokesman Nick Massella said.