Robert D. Novak on the diaries of Drew Pearson

Backstage Manipulator

Drew Pearson was not only the best known, widest read, and richest syndicated Washington columnist, before or since, but was a significant manipulator and controversialist in national affairs for some four decades. Never content with the passive role of disinterested journalist, he was deeply involved in the intrigues of backstage Washington as an uncompromising, vindictive champion of liberal causes. He was a regular combatant, as both plaintiff and defendant, in the courts of law. His feuds were legion, including death struggles with Douglas MacArthur, James Forrestal, Joseph R. McCarthy, Lewis L. Strauss, and, for a time, Harry S. Truman (who as President publicly called Pearson a liar and an s.o.b.). In addition, Pearson led a personal life more tempestuous and colorful than most politicians he wrote about.

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Robert D. Novak

Backstage Manipulator

Drew Pearson was not only the best known, widest read, and richest syndicated Washington columnist, before or since, but was a significant manipulator and controversialist in national affairs for some four decades. Never content with the passive role of disinterested journalist, he was deeply involved in the intrigues of backstage Washington as an uncompromising, vindictive champion of liberal causes. He was a regular combatant, as both plaintiff and defendant, in the courts of law. His feuds were legion, including death struggles with Douglas MacArthur, James Forrestal, Joseph R. McCarthy, Lewis L. Strauss, and, for a time, Harry S. Truman (who as President publicly called Pearson a liar and an s.o.b.). In addition, Pearson led a personal life more tempestuous and colorful than most politicians he wrote about.