Robert Novak, R.I.P.
Conservative journalist, author, and Washington institution Robert Novak has died.
He will be deeply missed.
From the WaPo:
Bruised feelings, Mr. Novak wrote in his memoir, were often soothed over many cocktails. He added that his healthy ego was useful in handling inevitable complaints from powerful people.
When he printed an accurate tip that Alexander M. Haig Jr., President Gerald R. Ford’s chief of staff, was out of favor with the president and would soon lose his job, Mr. Novak said he received an irate call from Haig, who threatened to sue for $5 million.
“Al,” he replied, “you’re out of luck. I don’t have $5 million.”
Mr. Novak wrote several books about Republican politics, but he said it was his skill at wooing members of both major parties that led to newsmaking exclusives.
A few months before he became presidential candidate George McGovern’s running mate in 1972, Sen. Thomas Eagleton (D-Mo.) had confided to Mr. Novak, “McGovern is for amnesty, abortion and legalization of pot. Once middle America — Catholic middle America, in particular — finds this out, he’s dead.”
Eagleton insisted his name not be linked to the quote, and Mr. Novak reported at the time that the quotation came from “one liberal senator.” The column caused a political furor.
Mr. Novak said he faced enormous pressure by Democrats to reveal his source, and some accused him of making up the quotation. Mr. Novak kept his promise to Eagleton and did not name him as the source until after Eagleton died in 2007.
A similar high-profile debate arose over Mr. Novak’s refusal to name his source for the Plame column. After the column appeared, Mr. Novak endured threats to his family and attributed the loss of his work at CNN to the ordeal. He also amassed legal fees of $160,000.
In his memoir, Mr. Novak said he would not have used Plame’s name if the CIA director or the agency’s spokesman told him it would have endangered national security or Plame’s life. A CIA spokesman had twice warned Mr. Novak not to print Plame’s name but could not reveal why to Mr. Novak because her status was classified.
Mr. Novak told Washingtonian magazine in November that he would not hesitate to run the column again. “I’d go full speed ahead because of the hateful and beastly way in which my left-wing critics in the press and Congress tried to make a political affair out of it and tried to ruin me,” he said.
“My response now is this: The hell with you. They didn’t ruin me. I have my faith, my family and a good life. A lot of people love me — or like me. So they failed. I would do the same thing over again because I don’t think I hurt Valerie Plame whatsoever.”
***
As I wrote when Novak was diagnosed with a brain tumor last year:
Novak has had a huge influence on my career. During a college conservative journalists’ confab, he urged us to seek metro newspaper jobs, pay our dues, and try to stay out of Washington for as long as possible. I took the advice to heart and left D.C. after a year as an intern at NBC to take my first newspaper job at the L.A. Daily News and then the Seattle Times. “Pundits” and “strategists” come and go, but Novak’s longevity is a tribute to–and result of–his newspaperman sensibilities and investigative chops. The MSM has always shortchanged the journalistic accomplishments of those on the Right. See, for example, how the AP sums up Novak’s career–mentioning only his role in the Valerie Plame case and the traffic accident he was involved in last week. Typical.
There will, of course, be gloating and death wishes on the nutroots side of the Internet aisle. Ignore it all.
Instead, I recommend Novak’s fascinating memoir of his 50 years of reporting in Washington. Get the story straight from the source. That’s Novak’s way.
***
The Examiner’s obituary is here.
From the Chicago Sun-Times editorial board:
Most people know the late Sun-Times columnist Robert D. Novak, who died this morning [Tuesday] from complications of a brain tumor, as a journalist. And indeed he was among the best this country has produced. Simply stated, Bob was a relentless reporter. His political columns were marked by his determination to dig out new information, behind-the-scenes anecdotes and Washington secrets to tell us something we didn’t know. He combined that with sharp analysis, insightful commentary and passion about the issues facing the nation to emerge as a brawling contestant in the great national debates of his era.
Firmly planted in the print world with his widely read syndicated thrice-a-week column, Bob also was an innovator in the electronic media. With the CNN programs “Capital Gang” and “Crossfire,” Bob pioneered the brash, no-holds-barred public affairs programming so familiar to viewers of cable news television today.
But more than that, his contributions to the great debates of the day demonstrated that Bob was someone who thought deeply about his country, its system of government and the challenges both faced
***
My colleagues at Creators Syndicate pay tribute.
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American has lost a dear man. Bob will be missed and hard to replace. God please be with his family.
L
Prepare for the outpouring of tasteless nutroots glee.
Several years ago, my wife and I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Novak at a dinner at the Willard Hotel. He sat across the table from us and was very personable. He seemed to have a switch he could use to turn on the Prince of Darkness. He seemed to enjoy that title. I did not always agree with him, but I did respect him as a journalist. Dr. Krauthammer comes to mind today.
RIP, Prince of Darkness
A profile in courage. I love it. I had a lot of respect for Novak as a reporter, and will remember him as the voice of reason in an unreasonable series of events.
RIP, and God Bless the family.
I’ll miss Robert Novak’s commentary. He was a no nonsense conservative, who took no cr#p from liberal demagogues. For that, the liberals vilified him, and for the same reason, they’ll celebrate his passing…which is typical.
I didn’t expect TK to outlive Robert. Watch the celebration of life when Kennedy dies.
Robert lived well, and died well. Adieu, Mr. Novak. God speed.
I have a message for every Journalism student in America:
THE ONLY MODERN ROLE MODEL YOU SHOULD HAVE IS BOB NOVAK.
He was the greatest, most honest and even handed journalist of his time.
Period. No exceptions.
Great columnist! He converted to Catholicism towards the end of his life (or as Ann Coulter might say, became “perfected”), so I like him extra.
R.I.P.
I was going to add something to this thread, but after reading your post, there is nothing more to be said.
Robert Novak was a journalist in the truest sense.
RIP to a man with courage.
I would say Mr. Novak was the last of a hard-nosed, shoe-leather breed of reporters. Then again, I’m sure he would have admired Michelle Malkin’s “Culture of Corruption.” But, as opposed to the “Prince of Darkness,” she is the “Princess of Light.” But both were/are great reporters.
Two thoughts…
First, a pioneer who knew he was going to take the arrows, and never seemed to flinch. He seemed to have resisted the Beltwayitis that so many pundits succumb to after even a brief exposure to the swampy climes.
Second, KosSack comments about “burning in Hell” begin in 3,2,1…
What greater tribute to a conservative…???
Team Obama breathes a sigh of relief. But journalists like Michelle Malkin will carry on the tradition of loving your country but never trusting your government.
Its too bad that there are so few.
Burn baby burn……..
Didn’t know he had a brain tumor.
How come we didn’t heard as much about that as Teddie’s.
DOH!
An American original has breathed his last.
One of his most memorable TV moments was when he said that environmentalists are those who want to wreck the economy in order to save the environment. Very succinct.
If only this was enough to cause Michelle to finally bounce you and your childish antics.
I’m with Salt on this one.
I know it’s difficult for you Liberal Trolls but hey, Red State showed some class. ILMC did not. When Drunk Teddy finally passes, I promise you the Conservatives out there will not be disrespectful.
Rags, I know the DailyKos crowd will be crowing with excitement – Cowards always shout at those they are truly afraid of.
Thanks Fly – it’s easy to be honest.
I remember seeing him at the ticket counter at OHare field in that rumpled suit. I was going to say hi, but he had that jet lag look, so I let him be.
The Bible says God despises men who take delight in the tragedies of others.
My sister died of brain cancer. Sorry, it is neither a pleasant or easy way to pass this life. Pray for the families of Novak and Kennedy. Reach for some humanity.
On August 18th, 2009 at 2:44 pm, conservative in europe said:
Look, I’ll try but I’m not making any promises. I’ll try really hard to contain joyous glee. Mary Jo’s ultimate sacrifice, although not made willfully, has successfully delayed for 40 years a Socialist takeover of our great country.
I used to love watching the old “Crossfire” segments in the 80s, and watching Mr. Novak mix it up with Tom Braden. Excellent, stimulating television. And as a journalist, Bob Novak had few peers.
I can’t help but wish that conservatives would get together and have a sendoff for him. If the libs can do it for Mr. Cronkite, why can’t we?
@ILMC…No humor, no decency, no class.
What a miserable existence you must have.
@RSS…even though we disagree on most things, thanks for bringing something decent to the table.
Hang,
I understand but death, especially a drawn out, painful death, can’t be considered a political victory. The idiot Dems in Mass will likely hire another Communist to take up where Teddy left off.
All you folks from Boston, please prove me wrong – I’m beggin’ ya..
You are, of course, correct, CIE.
Mr.Novak is in the loving arms of God. May his family celebrate his life and have peace in his passing. ILMC—you are below the level of pond scum. Your comment is beyond sickening.
It’s not “nutroots” to remember and recognize that Bob Novak was a huge anti-Semite, hater of Israel, and open supporter of HAMAS. If you only criticize those on the left for saying the things he said, then you are a hypocrite. If you only praise him and ignore this, you’re misinforming people and not providing an accurate picture.
My favorite Bob Novak quote:
“God put the Republican Party on Earth to cut taxes. If they don’t do that, they have no useful function.”
Fixed that for you D.S.
Heh…D.S…
Mr. Novak was the epitome of the investigative reporter/journalist. I will miss his columns greatly. The journalistic world is forever deminished.
My small tribute will be a 3 Stooges quote. Those that don’t like it, suck @#$% by choice!
“You, are you a good detective?” “Am I? You see this heel?… I ran that down.”
- Gene Roth & Shemp (SLAPHAPPY SLEUTHS, 1950)
R.I.P.
Not to beat a fossilized horse, but it was my understanding that the investigation had determined that Plame had not been in a ‘classified’ status with the CIA for over 5 years before Mr. Novak’s column. That’s why there was no prosecution of Armitage for disclosing her name.
Anyway, rest in peace, Mr. Novak.
d1carter–isn’t the Willard a nice hotel? My husband & I used to eat there back in the 80s…
ilovemycount said: a mouse ran over my foot and I wet myself.
In this regard only, ilovemycooties does not disappoint.
I thought you said he was a cheap date?
And a beautiful view from the rooftop.
It is not only a nice hotel but very historic. The lobby of the hotel is where the term “lobbyist” was coined.
My first thought was what a reunion of Conservative thought there will be in Heaven tonight.
Bill Buckley, Tony Snow, and now Bob Novak.
What a party.
Rogue–he is. I’m not.
On August 18th, 2009 at 3:22 pm, Debbie Schlussel said:
I applaud you for finally posting something here about something other than yourself.
Remind me to check with you whenever I fly so that there is not even the remotest possibility I could end up in a plane seated next to you for 3+ hours.
Mind you, I don’t miss my time spent in DC.
Every once in awhile, mrcakes & I do miss the wonderful tastes of Adams-Morgan (esp. the Ethiopean & Persian cuisine).
Huh? Your blog post is incomplete, to say the least. Context on the Hamas “freedom fighters” quote? Proof of its existence?
And can we please once and for all stop calling people who oppose Israeli policy “anti-Semites”?
By the way, I’m not saying good things about Bob Novak because he’s dead. His columns and other commentary were first rate. Along with Buckley and Safire, he belonged to a generation of conservatives that was passionate about its beliefs but not afraid to stray from orthodoxy, unlike … never mind.
Make sure to check out her music picks! Ever hear of that band Guns N Roses? If she says so, I’m sure they’re OK!
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
Wow.
When you’re not plagiarizing your blog posts, you’re offering up ghoulish little comments like that.
I hope your time here is finally up.
Did you ever consider the possibility that ilovemycountry is a sockpuppet for Debbie?
Do any of you really believe that bigots go to Heaven?
Sorry to tell you, but Hell is where bigots go.
Sorry.
Change how you treat God’s children.
Change how you treat mother Earth.
Or wind up with Novak.
Well, using your own rationale, I’m sure there’s a place in Hell for you, too (whether you’re Debbie’s sockpuppet or not).
Gee ILMC I didn’t realize that you were the Heaven Czar.
Last time I looked my bible says “judge not less ye be judged”
I’m confused–so G-d is our father & Earth is our mother?
And two planaria were ilovemycount‘s ‘parents’?
Thank you for saying that. You’re much braver than I am.
So was Novak. RIP, we’ll miss you.
Hmmm…..
I don’t know who Debbie is.
And, I don’t know what a sock-puppet is.
But I do know, that Jesus chose Love over Hate.
And, all of you have chosen Hate over Love.
The fire will be unlike any you have ever known.
It’s really that simple.
Sooooo, your “burn baby burn” comment was made out of love?
Wow. Liberals usually claim that God doesn’t exist, and yet claim to intimately understand His will simultaneously. ILMC seems to fit at least half that mold.
Kumbaya, ILMC!
I think your Birkenstocks are a little too tight.
The thought that ILMC is a concern sockpuppet has been raised from time to time, but I believe it’s just a dull, attention-seeking troll.
Today it’s on it’s holier-than-thou schtick, most likely as some parody of Christian values. However, it seems to me that there has been some precedent for Michelle (or Rick?) booting folks going down this path (southernboy?) I suspect that getting banned is ILMC’s goal.
Shhhh…quit harshing its mellow. It’s busy relishing the death and supposed damnation of another human being while preaching about Love.
It’s on a roll.
We lost Rose Friedman today, too.
On August 18th, 2009 at 5:25 pm, PBoilermaker
“It puts the lotion on its skin, or else it gets the hose again…..”
I called It the heaven czar but I think It’s the Czarina of Hate.
In my faith and belief, God makes the decision when we die what happens to us. Only at that time can we find out where we will be. It is not my place to say where any person ends up.
L
Is that you, Larry?
ECS
Wow.
You just linked to your own blog.
As if we care.
Can you, the Cheese Maverick and the RWR Right RWR Wing RWR Rocker RWR get a room? And stay there. Narcissists, intellectual midgets and self-promoters really are ugly weeds in an otherwise beautiful garden.
Wow! I think I figured it out. ILMC’s not a “Christian,” you infidel dogs!!!
/smirk off
I keep looking for his latest column to drop into my email, and then remember that there won’t be any more.
I never met the gentleman in this life, but I’m trusting that we’ll meet in the next.
Go rest high on that mountain….
For ILMC’s sake, Christ said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. NO MAN comes to the Father except through ME”.Nothing about “mother earth” or man’s judgement. I do not presume to know Mr. Novak’s walk with God, but c’mon.
Teddy Kennedy’s walk is well know publically with his support of the taking of innocent life, sodomy and his Murder of Mary Jo.
Bless you, RedDog. And God’s peace to you and yours.
I posted that quote just for you Thomas, as I knew what choice you would make. We mere mortals await your next scintillating post with impatient fervor.
PS.
Oh, and your english muffins suck also.
Please disregard my previous post for Thomas, I apologize for the lack of decorum on a tribute thread for Mr. Novak.
On August 18th, 2009 at 3:00 pm, RedDog said:
The Bible says God despises men who take delight in the tragedies of others.
What passage says that?
So, Ilovemycuber gots religion…?!?!?
Peculiar, I thought her religion was the State? So it must be State Christianity, with an admixture of Green Goo.
She has weighed us in the balance, and found us all wanting.
However can I console misef…???
I somehow doubt that God will banish everyone who ever had bigoted thoughts about another group of people to burn for all eternity. That would be pretty much 99% of the human race throughout history.
I also doubt very seriously that Robert Novak was a bigot.
Rogue—accepted.
I really did not want to step into this. I realize people like MM and Ann Coulter viewed Novak as a mentor and thus had a perspective of him that I lacked and certainly did not want. Fine. But if the career and thoughts of Walter Cronkeit were subject to scrutiny upon his death (quite fairly, I think), then so too is Mr. Novak’s. Personally I was never sure where he was coming from. Maybe by the standards of Beltway reporters he was a raving right-wing loon, but in my experience — admittedly, I found him obnoxious and didn’t read him that much — his opinions were frequently just as far to the left as Cronkeit’s. This link provides a good and documented summary of some of his more radical positions, such as open-borders. See here
Look, I don’t like Schlussel that much myself. I am really tired of her Palin bashing for one thing. She and Kathleen Parker should get together and take their act on the road. Unfortunately, I think she is right on “conservative” Novak. And if that be disrespectful, then have at it, urge this post be deleted, whatever.
Here’s one.
I have sympathy for Mrs. Novak and for the Novak children in their hours and days of grief. But in as much as I did not like the MSM lionizing Walter Cronkite after his passing, I am not in favor of lionizing Mr. Novak after his passing. When I was in college, Mr. Novak came to give a speech in the city where I attended the university. Since the students at my college were fed a diet of left wing over the hill speakers (Barney Frank, Joe Biden, Tom Daschle, we had to listen to all of ‘em) I thought it would be a relief to hear Mr. Novak. But he didn’t talk about free trade, high taxes, or even national defense. Instead, he only became animated when talking about the evils of the State of Israel. His Israel bashing that night was so fervent, so angry and so fevered that I wonder if there was some personal reason, deep in his soul, that prompted such a fierce dislike of Israel. In the Q&A, I asked him why he was so fond of Haffez El Assad, the proSoviet dictator of Syria. Mr. Novak went on at length about how Assad was “a strongman we can do business with” and Mr. Novak went on a rift about how Assad was not really proSoviet, but the US-Israel relationship made Assad turn to the Soviet Union. Then he went on about how Israel must relinquish the Golan Heights.
Thanks.