Finalist: The Plain Dealer , by Phillip Morris
For his blend of local storytelling and unpredictable opinions, enlarging the discussion of controversial issues that stir a big city.
Winners
Prize Winner in Commentary in 2011:
David Leonhardt
For his graceful penetration of America's complicated economic questions, from the federal budget deficit to health care reform.
Commentary
Finalists
Nominated as finalists in Commentary in 2011:
Mary Schmich
For her versatile columns exploring life and the concerns of a metropolis with whimsy and poignancy.
The Jury
The Jury
Tim Nickens(chair )*
editor of editorials
Ronnie Agnew
executive editor
Kerry Lauerman
editor in chief
Patricia O’Connor
media executive in residence
John Smalley
editor
Carol Stark
editor
Lillian Swanson
managing editor
Winners in Commentary
Kathleen Parker
For her perceptive, often witty columns on an array of political and moral issues, gracefully sharing the experiences and values that lead her to unpredictable conclusions.
Eugene Robinson
For his eloquent columns on the 2008 presidential campaign that focus on the election of the first African-American president, showcasing graceful writing and grasp of the larger historic picture.
Steven Pearlstein
For his insightful columns that explore the nation's complex economic ills with masterful clarity.
Cynthia Tucker
For her courageous, clear-headed columns that evince a strong sense of morality and persuasive knowledge of the community.
2011 Prize Winners
Jennifer Egan
An inventive investigation of growing up and growing old in the digital age, displaying a big-hearted curiosity about cultural change at warp speed.
Ron Chernow
A sweeping, authoritative portrait of an iconic leader learning to master his private feelings in order to fulfill his public duties.
Mike Keefe
For his widely ranging cartoons that employ a loose, expressive style to send strong, witty messages.
Kay Ryan
A body of work spanning 45 years, witty, rebellious and yet tender, a treasure trove of an iconoclastic and joyful mind.