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

[MarciaJ720]

I wish for both Senator Kennedy and Mr. Novak complete recoveries. If that is not possible, I hope both are able to remain comfortable.

[SouthernYankeeBelle]

I never cared for Novak but I pray for his health. I don't want anybody to died like that. I pray things are going well for Senator Kennedy also. I was on some of those right wing blogs and the things they said about Kennedy was unbelievable. God bless both of them.

[gladys46]

Hear, hear!!

[robiform]

I'm glad to see most people who have posted comments on this thread are wishing Mr. Novak well, despite the profound disagreements most of us have with his opinions. It would be nice to think that on the flip side, people who posted comments at conservative sites when Senator Kennedy was diagnosed with a brain tumor did the same thing, but I have an unpleasant feeling that didn't happen.

Whatever happens, Mr. Novak, I wish you and your family peace.

[trollsbwild]

Most of us have the capacity to put life issues before politics. Having said that, I'm glad to see these posts being positive.
A little different from the posts when Ted Kennedy's illness was made public.

[trollsbwild]

Very grim news. Did not agree with his views, but I wish him and his family the best.

[DanOregon]

I'm hoping for the best for Novak. The Washington media scene just won't be the same without him. I'm hoping he pulls a Favre.

[Rog49Thomas]

May God help him and his family in this hour of need.

[steamboat]

Get well, Bob

[Destin]

I'd like to wish him well in his battle against this cancer. And just like with Tony Snow, whom I also didn't always agree with, this is something you never would want to happen to anyone.In the end, regardless of our politics, we are all human. And I do wish Mr. Novak the best in his battle against this cancer. Also my heart goes out to his family, as this must be a very hard time for them. As someone who has had family members diagnosed with, and some lost, to cancer..... I know all too well what they must be going through.

[DRPike]

I have never agreed with his politics but may God bless him in this fight.

[Robespierre]

Good luck Bob. Although I do not agree with your political perspectives, I look forward to you recovering and enjoying some time in life to retire.

Bonne chance

[OnTheOtherBeach]

My sentiments exactly.

[JeanPaulSatire]

As much as I have vehemently disapproved of Novak and his views over the years, I only wish good things for him in his fight for his life.

[demfriend]

It was truly sad to see a national news magazine make fun of Mr Novak for his accident and a flub he did last week. Of course when they went to print the news of the brain tumor had not hit so they can be given some understanding for that. Mr Novak has had a colorful carreer which at times has been not such a good color and it is sad anytime a person gets such a diagnosis with the prognosis not great. We can hope the best and long life with all his brain working well and his health good with the newer treatments we have now so good luck sir.

[Sunra73]

Good luck Mr. Novak. No one deserves that.

[captnEarl]

I've never liked his views however I pray for his rapid recovery he is like the rest of us only mortal and one of Gods children.

[SaneLiberal]

Say a prayer for mr. Novak. This is terrible news.

[jahzilla]

My condolences to Bob Novak and his family.

As someone who also had his perceived "expectations" (of life) shattered within mere seconds following the illusion of "normalcy", I can relate. I was fortunate, in that I was told I would never walk again (after being struck, as a pedestrian, by a chemically-impaired dump truck driver). Stubbornness and a never-say-never disposition turned that prognosis around after some years of hard work and an ongoing perceptual/psychological realignment.

I convey this as an example of what we can all muster, given the strength of will.

As an educated progressive, I know full well the damage Bob Novak's voice has dealt to the concept of "reality". Likewise, as a progressive, my awareness as to the fear Mr. Novak must now be experiencing, is footed in compassion.