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Scandalmonger: The Life and Times of William Safire, the Master of Political Poison

Henry David Thoreau

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Published in Scandalmonger: A Novel William Safire

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William Safire was one of the most influential political journalists of the 20th century. A Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist, speechwriter, and pundit, Safire was known for his acerbic wit and his conservative views. He was also a master of political poison, and his columns were often filled with attacks on his political enemies.

Scandalmonger: A Novel

by William Safire

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	496 pages

Safire's career spanned more than five decades, and he was a witness to some of the most important events in American history. He covered the Watergate scandal, the Iran-Contra affair, and the Monica Lewinsky scandal. He was also a close advisor to several presidents, including Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush.

Safire was a controversial figure, and his work was often criticized for being too partisan. However, there is no doubt that he was one of the most important political journalists of his time. His columns were widely read and debated, and he helped to shape the political discourse in America.

Early Life and Career

William Safire was born in New York City in 1929. His father was a successful businessman, and his mother was a social worker. Safire attended Phillips Exeter Academy and Harvard University. After graduating from Harvard, he served in the United States Army.

After his military service, Safire began his career as a journalist. He worked as a reporter for the New York Herald Tribune and the New York Times. In 1973, he joined the editorial board of the Times, where he wrote a weekly column on politics.

Safire's columns were often controversial, but they were also widely read and respected. He was known for his sharp wit and his ability to skewer his political opponents. Safire was also a strong supporter of conservative causes, and he often used his columns to attack liberals and Democrats.

Watergate and Nixon

Safire was one of the first journalists to break the story of the Watergate scandal. In 1972, he published a column in the New York Times that revealed that the Nixon administration had been involved in a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters.

Safire's column helped to spark a firestorm of controversy, and it ultimately led to Nixon's resignation. Safire was a vocal critic of Nixon throughout the scandal, and he played a key role in bringing him down.

Iran-Contra and Reagan

In the 1980s, Safire was a close advisor to President Ronald Reagan. He helped to write Reagan's speeches and policy papers, and he was a strong supporter of Reagan's conservative agenda.

However, Safire was also critical of Reagan's handling of the Iran-Contra affair. In 1986, Reagan was accused of selling arms to Iran in exchange for the release of American hostages. Safire believed that Reagan had lied to the American people about his involvement in the affair, and he called for Reagan's resignation.

Monica Lewinsky and Clinton

In the 1990s, Safire was a vocal critic of President Bill Clinton. He was particularly critical of Clinton's relationship with Monica Lewinsky, a White House intern.

Safire wrote several columns attacking Clinton and calling for his impeachment. He also published a book about the Lewinsky scandal, titled "Scandalmonger: The Real Story of the Lewinsky Affair."

Death and Legacy

William Safire died in 2009 at the age of 79. He was a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, a speechwriter, a pundit, and a close advisor to several presidents. He was also a controversial figure, but there is no doubt that he was one of the most important political journalists of his time.

Safire's legacy is a mixed one. He was a brilliant writer and a sharp political commentator, but he was also a partisan hack who often attacked his opponents with venom. Nonetheless, Safire was a major figure in American journalism for more than five decades, and his work will continue to be read and debated for years to come.

William Safire was a complex and controversial figure. He was a brilliant writer and a sharp political commentator, but he was also a partisan hack who often attacked his opponents with venom. Nonetheless, Safire was a major figure in American journalism for more than five decades, and his work will continue to be read and debated for years to come.

Scandalmonger: A Novel

by William Safire

4.1 out of 5