Robert Novak
Robert Novak: Journalist and Commentator
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Robert David Novak was an American journalist and commentator who was best known for his syndicated column "Inside Report" and co-authoring the book "The Prince of Darkness: 50 Years Reporting in Washington".
Birth and Death Dates
Novak was born on February 26, 1931, in Joliet, Illinois. He passed away on August 18, 2009.
Nationality and Profession(s)
American journalist and commentator
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a working-class family, Novak developed an interest in politics at a young age. He attended the University of Illinois, where he became involved with the conservative student newspaper, The Daily Illini. After graduating in 1952, Novak joined the United States Army and served for two years before returning to Chicago to work as a journalist.
Major Accomplishments
Novak's journalism career spanned over five decades, during which he reported on major events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Watergate scandal. He was known for his conservative perspective and was often at odds with liberal journalists of his time. In 1971, Novak co-authored "The Agony of the G.O.P." with Rowland Evans Jr., a critical examination of the Republican Party's inner workings.
Notable Works or Actions
Novak was a pioneer in using anonymous sources to break major stories, including the revelation that Valerie Plame Wilson worked as a CIA operative. This disclosure led to a highly publicized trial and conviction of I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney.
Impact and Legacy
As a prominent conservative voice in American journalism, Novak's opinions and writings had a significant impact on the country's political landscape. His advocacy for conservative causes and candidates earned him both praise and criticism from various quarters. Despite controversies surrounding his reporting methods, Novak remained a respected figure in Washington until his passing.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Robert Novak is widely quoted and remembered for his unapologetic conservatism, willingness to challenge the status quo, and groundbreaking investigative journalism. His influence can still be seen in modern conservative media outlets and commentators who continue to shape public opinion on issues such as national security and foreign policy.
As a testament to his enduring legacy, quotes from Novak's writings and interviews remain relevant today, offering insights into the complexities of American politics during times of great change and upheaval.
Quotes by Robert Novak
Howard Dean is not the first politician to distort facts in his own interests. But many activists in the party he now leads are puzzled over what he thinks he is accomplishing politically. Is it good politics to contend that Iraq was better off under Saddam Hussein than even a flawed Islamic republic?
CNN canceled all the shows I was on. They’re going in a different direction, but that’s their privilege. They own the business.
I’m 72-years-old. There’s not a hell of a lot they can do to me. I will continue to report what I see and what I feel to be true.
Even after the Rosenthal column, nobody responsible in the Republican Party said, ‘Yes, Pat Buchanan is an anti-Semite.’ They didn’t join in. Very few journalists joined in. What happened was, when he entered the presidential politics, then he entered a new level of criticism and attack on him.
The whole new Democratic Party is the old Republican Party. We have a whole bunch of elephants running around in donkey’s clothes.
It is hard to write about politicians, see them at such close range, and still think of any of them as heroes.
I'm 72-years-old. There's not a hell of a lot they can do to me. I will continue to report what I see and what I feel to be true.