Robert Novak, Conservative Columnist and CNN's "Prince of Darkness," Dies at 78

Veteran Washington journalist and CNN commentator Robert Novak, known for his fiery debates and unflinching reporting, died on [date not specified] at his home in Washington. He had been battling brain cancer for some time. Novak, a columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times for decades, was a household name as a co-host of CNN's Crossfire and editor of the Evans-Novak Political Report. He was a stalwart of the Washington press corps, and his columns often set the agenda for national discourse.

Key Takeaways:

• Robert Novak was a conservative columnist and CNN commentator who died at the age of 78 after battling brain cancer.
• Novak was best known for his work on CNN's Crossfire and The Capital Gang, where he often jousted with liberal guests.
• He was a co-author of the Evans-Novak Political Report and a columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times for over 40 years.
• Novak's reporting often focused on the politics of the Bush administration, including the war in Iraq and the Valerie Plame CIA leak case.
• He was known for his unapologetic style and his ability to "turn an idea into the most discussed story around kitchen tables, congressional offices, the White House, and everywhere in between."
• Novak's memoir, "The Prince of Darkness 50 Years Reporting in Washington," details his life and career in journalism.
• He was a convert to Catholicism and is survived by his wife, Geraldine, and their two children, Zelda and Alex.

Statistics:

• Novak worked on CNN's Crossfire from 1980 to 2005.
• He was a columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times for 47 years.
• Novak's 2003 column outing Valerie Plame as a CIA agent was published within eight days of her husband's criticisms of the Bush administration's handling of prewar intelligence.
• Novak's reporting led to the investigation of who leaked Plame's information, resulting in the conviction of I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby.
• The Prince of Darkness 50 Years Reporting in Washington was published in 2007.

Sources:

• "WASHINGTON -- Robert Novak, conservative political columnist, pugilistic debater, proud owner of the "Prince of Darkness" moniker... died yesterday from brain cancer." – (The Associated Press)
• "He was a Washington institution who could turn an idea into the most discussed story around kitchen tables, congressional offices, the White House, and everywhere in between..." – Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (CNN)
• "Bob made remarkable contributions in the field of journalism and to the American political landscape." – House Republican Leader John Boehner (CNN)
• "I had a terrific time fulfilling all my youthful dreams and at the same time making life miserable for hypocritical, posturing politicians and, I hope, performing a service for my country." – Robert Novak (The Prince of Darkness 50 Years Reporting in Washington)