Robert Novak
Photo: Reuters
Political columnist Robert Novak dies at 78
Editor of Evans-Novak Political Report and one of US' most influential journalists, who repeatedly criticized Israel's affect over US administration, dies after losing battle with brain cancer
WASHINGTON – Political columnist Robert Novak, a conservative, pugilistic debater and proud owner of the "Prince of Darkness" moniker, died Tuesday after a battle with brain cancer that was diagnosed in July 2008. He was 78.
Novak was considered one of the most influential journalists in the US. Over they years, he waged a battle against Israel's friends in Washington, claiming they had too much influence over the administration.
Novak, editor of the Evans-Novak Political Report, is perhaps best known as a co-host of several of CNN's political talk shows, where he often jousted with liberal guests from 1980 to 2005. One of the best-known was "Crossfire."
While he became known as a conservative for his role on "Crossfire" and other CNN political shows like "The Capital Gang," he differed with conservatives on many issues, expressing doubts about invading Afghanistan and frequently criticizing the war in Iraq.
In recent years, Novak ended up actually being a part of a big Washington story, in ways he likely never intended, becoming a central figure in the Valerie Plame CIA leak case.
Novak was the first to publish the name of the CIA employee, and he came under withering criticism and abuse from many for that column, which Novak said began "a long and difficult episode" in his career.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
