Robert Novak

Robert Novak
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Name	Robert Novak
Caption	Novak in 2007
Birth name	Robert David Sanders
Birth date	26 February 1931
Birth place	Joliet, Illinois, U.S.
Death date	18 August 2009
Death place	Washington, D.C., U.S.
Education	University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (BA), University of Missouri (did not graduate)
Occupation	Journalist, Political commentator, Author
Spouse	Geraldine Novak, 1962, 2009
Known for	Inside Report column, CNN commentator, Plame affair

Robert Novak was an influential American political journalist, columnist, and television commentator known for his conservative viewpoints and hard-hitting reporting. He co-wrote the long-running syndicated column "Inside Report" with Rowland Evans and was a fixture on CNN for decades. His career, which spanned over five decades, was marked by his aggressive pursuit of leaks and scoops from within the Washington, D.C. political establishment, culminating in his central role in the Plame affair.

Early life and education

Born Robert David Sanders in Joliet, Illinois, he later took the surname of his stepfather. He attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he worked for the student newspaper, *The Daily Illini*, and graduated with a degree in history. He briefly pursued a master's degree in journalism at the University of Missouri before leaving to begin his professional career. His early work included a stint with the Associated Press in Omaha, Nebraska, and later in Indianapolis, covering local politics and the Indiana General Assembly.

Journalism career

Novak's national career began when he joined the Wall Street Journal in 1958, reporting from its Washington bureau. In 1963, he partnered with veteran reporter Rowland Evans to launch the "Inside Report" political column, which was syndicated by the Chicago Sun-Times and later distributed nationally by the Los Angeles Times Syndicate. The column became renowned for its insider access to figures in the White House, the United States Congress, and various federal agencies. He and Evans also co-authored several books, including *Lyndon B. Johnson: The Exercise of Power*. Novak became a prominent television analyst, appearing regularly on shows like *The McLaughlin Group* and serving as a commentator for CNN on programs such as *Crossfire*, *Capital Gang*, and *Novak, Hunt & Shields*.

Political commentary and columns

Politically, Novak evolved from a New Deal Democrat into a staunch conservative, a shift reflected in his commentary. His column was a must-read for its predictions of political maneuvering and policy shifts, often relying on anonymous sources within the Republican Party and the Democratic Party. He was a fierce critic of what he viewed as liberal media bias and an advocate for supply-side economics, aligning with thinkers like Robert Bartley of the *Wall Street Journal* editorial page. His reporting frequently focused on internal debates within administrations from Richard Nixon to George W. Bush, and he maintained a reputation for being tenacious, sometimes combative, in his television appearances and interviews.

Controversies and public perception

Novak's career was defined by controversy, most notably his involvement in the Plame affair. In July 2003, he published a column identifying Valerie Plame as a covert operative for the Central Intelligence Agency, citing two senior administration officials. The column triggered a federal investigation led by Special Counsel Patrick Fitzgerald into the potential unlawful disclosure of classified information. During the investigation, Novak testified before a federal grand jury. The scandal resulted in the conviction of Lewis Libby, chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney, for perjury and obstruction of justice. Novak faced significant criticism from media peers and was involved in a public spat with CNN colleague James Carville. His assertive, often confrontational style earned him the nickname "The Prince of Darkness," a moniker he embraced.

Later life and death

In his later years, Novak continued writing his column and making media appearances, though his role at CNN diminished following the Plame controversy. He published a candid memoir, *The Prince of Darkness: 50 Years Reporting in Washington*, in 2007. In July 2008, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor after collapsing while driving in downtown Washington, D.C.. He underwent treatment but retired from writing his column in early 2009. Robert Novak died from complications of the illness at his home in Washington, D.C. on August 18, 2009. His death was noted by prominent figures across the political spectrum, including former colleagues at the *Chicago Sun-Times* and commentators on Fox News, marking the end of a formidable and contentious era in American political journalism.

Category:American columnists Category:American political commentators Category:2009 deaths