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

[mollysgran]

Bob, you always did a great job getting your points of view across. I am glad that we have had your voice in the political discourse in America. It has made the whole process a LOT more interesting.

Best wishes to you from Oregon.

[halen43]

Mr. Novak, my prayers are with you and your family.

May God keep you strong in spirit at this time in you life.

[UltraClassic]

Sometimes, you need the Novaks and the Thomases to bring out the passion on the other side. How boring it would be if we all sat around with the same opinions, we'd be like barnyard animals.

Take care Mr. Novak, you are one of the best.

[bitabingbitabangbitaboom]

I`ll say Kaddish for him.......­..........­........

[kasv]

Prayers are with you and your family, Mr. Novak, and wishes for a full recovery.

[BeastOfYuccaFlats]

Bob, I know you are hoping and praying for a full and speedy recovery, if for no other reason than just so you can get back to antagonizing us liberals, and guess what? For the first time ever I completely agree with you. May you find all the strength, courage, and will you're going to need to overcome this challenge. I wish you well.

[luckyt]

I wish you well and as a fellow Catholic I forgive you for all your hypocrisy throughout the years, I hope you see the light and live a long and fruitful life.

[ChristianEcon.com]

God bless you Mr. Novak--stay strong.

[bpai]

I have disagreed with Mr. Novak's politics for decades and found his arrogance off-putting, but somethng like this transcends politics. I hope he has a speedy and complete recovery.

[pzdoff]

I do not like the man, I do not like his views, but I wish him the best in the battle ahead.

[cobobs]

Very good, that those who cannot say something nice are restraining their keyboard fingers.

[williamg]

Either that, or the moderators are doing their jobs.

[NanDarien]

Yes, we are.

[olivia]

Very sad news.

[KareninSac]

I, too, am saddened by any news such as this, even for a man I disagree with. I wish the best to him and his family in this very trying time. My only hope would be that Mr. Novak would do something postive to expose everyone involved with the outing of Ms. Plame. Take care, Mr. Novak.

[LiberalBuzz]

All I can say is I hope you have a peaceful passing Bob.

[Idytme]

Having had a friend die of a glioblastoma multiforme cancer, it is a very cruel cancer. It can take away function of your body and mind and also bring a lot of physical and mental pain. It is just a horrible diagnosis, and if the diagnosis is "dire" he may have this most lethal form. I am very sorry for him and his family and I also hope he stays comfortable.

[Siryn]

Take care and God bless, Mr. Novak. When it comes down to times like these, politics does not matter, just the love we show to one another as human beings.