Ted Olson, Influential Conservative Lawyer, Dies at 84
13 hours ago
- Ted Olson, 84, influential conservative lawyer, died after a stroke; remembered for shaping U.S. legal landscape.
- Served as U.S. Solicitor General (2001-2004); argued 65 Supreme Court cases, leaving a profound impact on law.
- Key figure in Bush v. Gore 2000 case, which awarded presidency to George W. Bush, inciting political debates.
- Supported same-sex marriage in California; believed love and commitment should be recognized by conservatives.
- Passed in Washington, death announced by Gibson Dunn; wife Lady confirmed his peaceful passing.
- Late wife Barbara died on 9/11; Olson continued to defend Bush administration's anti-terror policies vigorously.
- Argued against DACA rescission, secured rights for 'Dreamers'; cited moral and legal principles for his stance.
- Defended Citizens United case, reshaping political finance; highlighted free speech in political discourse.
- Represented high-profile clients: Tom Brady, Apple, and argued for corporate freedom within legal boundaries.
- David Boies, fellow legal giant, praises Olson as a principle-driven conservative who rejected Trump representation.