I’ve never been a fan of right-wing commentator Robert Novak. Still, you can’t help but be saddened by the veteran political analyst’s retirement today as he focuses on battling a malignant brain tumor.
Published report say Novak has described his prognosis as “dire.”
I’ve watched — and disagreed with — Novak’s outspoken conservative views ever since he was paired with liberal commentator Roland Evans back in the 1970s.
I enjoyed watching his daily appearances on CNN “Crossfire” — especially when his arguments were effectively shredded by the deft comments of Bill Press, Michael Kinsley and others.
But I cringed when his journalistic standards came into question by cooperating with the White House efforts to “out” covert CIA operative Valerie Plame, all in an apparent retaliatory campaign against her husband, former U.S. Ambassador Joseph Wilson, who had the courage to speak up and challenge the Bush administration’s run-up to war in Iraq.
Saddam Hussein shopping for “yellow cake” in Niger to develop nuclear weapons that he could use against the West? Sheer folly.
And yet, there’s a degree of sadness in knowing that Novak has made his last appearance on TV as a political pundit, written his last newspaper column, and probably waged his last effort to tear down Barak Obama in his presidential election season.
I didn’t care much for what he said; I’ll always defend his right to say it. My thoughts and prayers go out to Robert Novak and his family.
Tags: Politics, Robert Novak
