Robert Novak, Conservative Columnist, Dies at 78

Conservative columnist and former TV pundit Robert Novak died early this morning in his Washington home after a battle with brain cancer. The Joilet, Illinois native became a major journalistic player with the syndicated "Inside Report" column, which he started in 1963 with the late Rowland Evans Jr. He subsequently became a familiar television personality, appearing often on CNN. A registered Democrat despite his conservative views, Novak was heavily criticized by some Republicans for opposing America's 2003 invasion of Iraq. Neoconservative writer David Frum labeled him an "Unpatriotic Conservative," along with Pat Buchanan. Novak was also at the center of the great CIA leak scandal that dragged on for years after he identified Valerie Plame as a CIA "operative" in his column in 2003. Some referred to Novak as a "journalistic Prince of Darkness," but to his wife Geraldine he "was someone who loved being a journalist, loved journalism and loved his country and loved his family." Timothy Carney at Human Events has filed a remembrance of his collaboration with Novak.

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By John Del Signore in News on August 18, 2009 12:29 PM

Comments [rss]

Mr Mel

He wont be missed.

NannyState

He only ever missed.

matty

Not sure if he championed free speech with his Valerie Plame stunt. I'm definitely conflicted on that.

ANGRYGOD11

There is no conflict exposing an American spy during wartime. It's what firing squads were made for.

Bubba

Hell has a new resident...

SP

Ah yes, another rich white martyr bearing the burden of the world. He will have his virgins in heaven.

Dead Himmler

SP, you are the epitome of white guilt.

SP

Really? How so? I feel no guilt whatsoever. I do feel disgust and loathing for these conservative christian assholes who try to frame the white man's experience as one of persecution however.

Dead Himmler

If that were the case I would agree with you but there is a difference between equality for all regardless of race and being persecuted.

SP

You are incoherent.

felixthecat2

I guess you feel no guilt of defrauding the state and the taxpayers with your MTA worker comp while working on the side?

JacqueMehoff

he did his deed and now he's gone. I don't think he had anything to complain about (but does,like all of the victimized white class) , 78 is a good long years.

felixthecat2

I wonder if Valerie Plame will attend the funeral?

ANGRYGOD11

Maybe she'll just send her spit.

Outter Burrougher

while it was awful that happened to the pedestrian, that he hit the pedestrian and didn't seem to realize it at the time was most likely a symptom of the brain tumor that was discovered only four or five days after this incident. i didn't agree with his politics, but some compassion in this regard isn't out of the question, at least not on the day of his death.

felixthecat2

Did I miss something here? Only positive sentiments are welcome? Going back, well before his days on cross-fire, Novak was almost single-handedly responsible for changing the tone in Washington to a negative level that continues today. He was proud to be a conduit of right-wing lies and endangered our national security. Lets not stop speaking the truth, just because someone dies! He led a good life, off the backs of many we never discuss on this website