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NY Times Video Obits Give the Departed 'The Last Word'

Non-Bush ex-president has already made one

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 30, 2009 1:20 PM CDT

(Newser) – Obituaries are a newspaper standby, but the New York Times has removed the journalistic middleman with its series of video obits, Editor & Publisher reports. After starting 2 years ago with humorist Art Buchwald’s greeting of “Hi, I’m Art Buchwald and I just died,” the Times has added 30 more to its “Last Word” stockpile.

The video obits are kept confidential until the time of their subject’s death. Of those currently completed, all the Times would reveal is that the list includes entries by a Nobel Laureate, a playwright and a former president—though George W and George HW Bush have both said they did not participate.

Former President Bill Clinton could be among those with a video Last Word in the can for the New York Times.
Former President Bill Clinton could be among those with a video "Last Word" in the can for the New York Times.   (AP Photo)
Humor columnist Art Buchwald is pictured in his office in Washington in this 1977 file photo.
Humor columnist Art Buchwald is pictured in his office in Washington in this 1977 file photo.   (AP Photo)
Former President Jimmy Carter could be among those with a video Last Word in the can for the New York Times.
Former President Jimmy Carter could be among those with a video "Last Word" in the can for the New York Times.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Mad
Jul 31, 2009 2:57 AM CDT
Neither Bush has shit to say
DontLikeYou___
Jul 30, 2009 6:55 AM CDT
Slick Willy always wants to have the last word.
It_Smells_Funky.
Jul 30, 2009 6:21 AM CDT
This is really hilarious.
 

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