Robert Novak To Retire After "Dire" Prognosis

Just one week after being diagnosed with a brain tumor, Chicago Sun-Times columnist Robert Novak has announced his immediate retirement:

Robert Novak has announced his immediate retirement following the diagnosis of a brain tumor, a prognosis the Sun-Times' political columnist describes as "dire."

"The details are being worked out with the doctors this week, but the tentative plan is for radiation and chemotherapy," Novak said.

Novak has been writing his column since 1963. Last week, following the diagnosis, he said that he planned to be back at work soon, "God willing."

Comments

[kentj]

I send well wishes to Mr. Novak.
When the Media would report only one side of the Israel-Palestine conflict (in favor of Israel), Mr. Novak reported the Palestinians side of the conflict. That required a lot of courage. And for that,
I will always respect him and admire him , as one of the few good Journalists, who gave his readers facts, and allowed us to form our own opinions.

Because knowing both sides of Israel-Palestine issue, helped to understand the importance of bringing about peace and justice for both sides.

Thank you Mr. Novak, from a loyal reader..........

[PennLawyer]

A dear and brilliant and successful friend of mine, age 81, died within the past year from a similarly agressive cancer. She tried one round of chemotherapy, not in hopes of a cure,but in hopes of having a few more months with her family. After one bout, she was so miserably sick that she couldn't effectively interact with anyone. So she canceled the chemo and went with pain control/ comfort meds and had several months where she could individually say goodbye to each of her kids and grandkids, and talk with them about their plans for their lives. Another good friend battled throat cancer valiantly for about 9 months of chemo. At the end, the doctors told his widow that the cancer was gone. Unfortunately, he died from the effects of the chemo. He was only in his 50's, so I guess it was worth trying to beat the disease. It's a very tough decision to make, but for the elderly, like Novak, I would go for quality of life. The Hospice movement is a tremendous resource and support for both patients and their families.

[CharlottesvilleVA]

I don't think I ever agreed with anything Novak ever said or even thought, but my heart goes out to him and his family.

Thank God he has decent health care.

[ibivi]

I am quite moved by the tone of comments. Mr Novak has done some rather nasty things as a reporter but posters are generally setting that aside and sending supportive messages. Very commendable.

[CharlottesvilleVA]

I think that goes to the very nature of people who lean to the left of center. We're predominantly compassionate. Bush's "compassionate conservative" just doesn't exist - or at least he has a way different definition of "compassion" than the rest of the world.

I gotta say, if this were an uber-liberal columnist in the same situation, there would definitely be people on the right (Robertson, Hagee, Limbaugh, etc) saying that the columnist's causes, his support of choice, his opposition to the war, etc. caused God to strike him down.

[hmmmmmer]

When Bob was on Crossfire I love to listen to him and actually was able to somewhat agree with some of the things he said. Lately he has been so over the top and the discourse has been off the charts. I hope the best for him, but I am guessing the word "dire" has some pretty bad consequences. I feel for his family and hope them the best.

[Exit]

I disagree with your politics Novak but I wish you and your family well in your recovery.

[Witchitalineman]

I have never been a fan of Robert Novak or believed in his ideology. However, I do wish him the very best and hopefully a full recovery.

[ebethgay]

That's unfortunate for him and his family. Prayers, healing and mercy for them.

[GOPorganizedcrime]

When I use to watch Mr. Novak on Crossfire in the 80's and 90's he had to already be in his mid 60's to early 70's. And you could hardly tell. In recent weeks he could be seen driving around in his
Corvette at age 83. If nothing else, I admire the man's tenacious stamina, drive and hard work ethic in spite of his age. All the best wishes and blessings to him during this difficult time.

[Clarabell]

Wikipedia says age 77.

[GOPorganizedcrime]

I believe the HuffPo article about Novak hittting a pedestrian who was riding his bicycle
while Bob N was driving his Corvette listed his age as 83. I could be wrong though. Also
I meant to say I use to watch Bob N when he was on Capitol Gang and later Crossfire--
which didn't stay on the air very long. Capitol Gang was the best political commentary
show around, imo.

[SILVANUS]

Never cared for your words, Bob, but I sincerely as a human brother wish you the best.

[dejayel]

Superb statement, congratulations. I agree with your sentiments 100 percent. I don't think I can improve on it. And I'm not going to try.

[GeorgeKaplan]

Never agreed with his politics, but I did enjoy his sparing with guests on Crossfire and Capitol gang. Good luck MR. Novak we wish you the very best.

[phoffman]

I hope he can recover. Regardless of political ideology, no one should have to deal with cancer.

[Bettysdad]

How many good wishes would people here give to Dick Cheney in this situation?

[LiberalBuzz]

I would simply ignore the comments section and say nothing.

[GolfingDevil05]

Well, if you can't say anything nice...

[Tommygun264]

I sincerely hope we never have to find out - to experience and express sympathy for Dick Cheney might very well make my head explode.

[GolfingDevil05]

Rarely have I agreed with anything uttered or written by Robert Novak, but as I felt with Tony Snow's diagnosis (and unfortunately, his death), I feel that there have to be some things in this world that are not fair game for partisan fodder. Cancer is one of those things. It is non-partisan, and it doesn't discriminate, so I won't take the time to list my grievances with him here because it's inappropriate.

Best wishes to Mr. Novak and his family.

[Furball]

I wish and hope for a cure for Mr Novak so he can return to work in robust health but if this isn't possible, and he is terminal, then I wish a painfree death with dignity surrounded by the people he loves the most. Life would be awfully boring if it were filled with only people who agree with you 100% . Godspeed....

[jsk1]

I agree: I wish him and his family the best--brain tumors are no one's friend, especially mine--one took my dad.

I disagree: If life were filled with only people who agreed with me 100%, life would be unbelievable fantabulous, and the world a better place, I must say.

[magneato]

Despite strongly disagreeing with your views and tactics, I do wish you the very best, sir.