Upon announcing the retirement of Safire's political column in 2005, Arthur Sulzberger Jr., publisher of "The New York Times", said:""The New York Times" without Bill Safire is all but unimaginable, Bill's provocative and insightful commentary has held our readers captive since he first graced our Op-Ed Page in 1973. Reaching for his column became a critical and enjoyable part of the day for our readers across the country and around the world. Whether you agreed with him or not was never the point, his writing is delightful, informed and engaging."