When Charles Krauthammer died last week, tributes poured in from colleagues and fans of very ideological persuasion. It’s hard to think of another contemporary commentator or journalist who inspired such widespread, bi-partisan, affectionate regard.

What earned him this special place in the worlds of media and politics?

First, Krauthammer’s columns unmistakably reflected his character—brilliant, reasonable, witty, warm and utterly sincere.

Second, the public marveled at his heroic personal story: a quadriplegic from age 21, he never allowed his physical limitations to interfere with his positive, passionate life. In today’s world, even when you agree with a politician it’s commonly hard to respect him.

But with Krauthammer, even when you disagreed with him, you had to admire him.