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Robert NovakAmerican journalist, television personality, writer and political commentator
Date of Birth: 26.02.1931
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Robert Novak: Early Life and Education
- Military Service and Early Journalism
- "Inside Report" and Political Commentary
- Controversies and Legacy
- Retirement and Death
Robert Novak: Early Life and Education
Robert Novak, the esteemed American journalist, was born in Joliet, Illinois, to Jane Sanders and Maurice Novak. His paternal grandparents were Ukrainian immigrants, while his mother's family hailed from Lithuania. Despite his Jewish heritage, Novak's family had limited involvement with their local Jewish community and were not particularly observant.
During his childhood, Novak suffered from chronic bronchitis, which restricted his independence. He often endured teasing from peers and developed a rebellious nature, much like the medieval French troubadour Bertrand de Born. His formative years were spent in Joliet, where he honed his writing skills as a contributor to the Joliet Herald-News.
Novak enrolled at the University of Illinois in 1948, where he remained until 1952. He joined the predominantly Jewish fraternity Alpha Epsilon Pi and became involved in journalism as the sports editor of the Daily Illini, the university student newspaper. Despite leaving before graduating, Novak completed all but one course required for a bachelor's degree. In 1993, the College of Communications discovered that four previously uncredited physical education courses fulfilled the remaining requirement, posthumously awarding him a bachelor's degree.
Military Service and Early Journalism
During the Korean War, Novak served as a lieutenant in the United States Army, where he grappled with the reality of his own mortality. Upon completing his military service, he began his journalistic career as a political correspondent for the Associated Press in Omaha, Nebraska. He subsequently moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, and later Indianapolis, Indiana. In 1957, Novak relocated to Washington, D.C., to cover the activities of Congress.
After leaving the Associated Press, Novak joined the Wall Street Journal, where he reported on the Senate. By 1961, he had risen to the position of chief congressional correspondent. Notably, Novak relied solely on his exceptional memory, eschewing note-taking devices. His colleagues would later recall his intense work ethic, which sometimes led to unkempt appearance and untied shoelaces, along with the occasional lit cigarette in his pocket.
"Inside Report" and Political Commentary
In 1963, Novak teamed up with former New York Times congressional correspondent Rowland Evans, launching "Inside Report." The column provided analysis and commentary on current events. It was during "Inside Report" that Novak reported on the Six-Day War, publishing information whose accuracy has been questioned. In his memoir, Novak admitted to prioritizing scoops over verifying information at times.
Novak became a prominent television figure, contributing to CNN's "The Capital Gang," "Crossfire," and "Evans, Novak, Hunt, & Shields." He also continued writing, regularly contributing to Reader's Digest.
Controversies and Legacy
In 2003, Novak's career was marked by the CIA leak controversy. His column revealed the identity and covert company affiliation of CIA operative Valerie Plame, prompting accusations of outing an undercover agent. However, no charges were filed due to insufficient evidence that Novak knew Plame's CIA status.
Novak released his memoir, "Prince of Darkness: Fifty Years Reporting in Washington," in 2007. The nickname "Prince of Darkness" originated from his friend and journalist John Lindsay, who perceived Novak's pessimistic outlook on society.
Retirement and Death
In 2008, Novak announced his retirement after being diagnosed with an ominous brain cancer. He returned home to spend the remainder of his life with family. On August 18, 2009, Robert Novak passed away, leaving a lasting legacy as one of America's most influential journalists and political commentators.
