Leaks, Lies, and Libel in Drew Pearson's Washington

The Rise and Fall of a Tabloid Kingmaker

Drew Pearson was one of the most influential journalists of the 20th century. His syndicated column, "Washington Merry-Go-Round," was read by millions of Americans and was known for its gossipy, often salacious coverage of the nation's capital. Pearson was a master of the art of the leak, and he used his access to inside information to expose corruption and wrongng in high places.

But Pearson's tactics were often questionable, and he was frequently accused of libel and slander. In 1950, he was sued by Boston millionaire John Fox for $1 million. Fox claimed that Pearson had falsely accused him of being a Nazi sympathizer. The trial was a sensation, and it ended with Pearson being found liable for $150,000 in damages.

The Columnist: Leaks, Lies, and Libel in Drew Pearson's Washington

by Donald A. Ritchie

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12801 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	379 pages
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The Fox libel suit was a major setback for Pearson, but it did not stop him from continuing to publish his column. In fact, he became even more reckless in his reporting, and he was soon embroiled in a new libel suit.

This time, Pearson was sued by Senator Joseph McCarthy. McCarthy claimed that Pearson had falsely accused him of being a Communist. The trial lasted for months, and it ended with McCarthy being awarded $200,000 in damages.

The McCarthy libel suit was the final nail in Pearson's coffin. His reputation was ruined, and his column was canceled. He died in 1969, a broken man.

Drew Pearson was a complex and controversial figure. He was a brilliant journalist who exposed corruption and wrongng in high places. But he was also a reckless and often unethical reporter who was willing to use any means necessary to get a story.

Pearson's legacy is still debated today. Some people believe that he was a great journalist who deserves to be remembered for his work exposing corruption. Others believe that he was a ruthless and unethical reporter who damaged the reputation of journalism.

Regardless of one's opinion of Pearson, there is no doubt that he was one of the most influential journalists of the 20th century. His column, "Washington Merry-Go-Round," was a must-read for anyone who wanted to know what was really going on in the nation's capital. And his tactics, while often questionable, were effective in exposing corruption and wrongng.

Pearson's Legacy

Drew Pearson's legacy is a mixed bag. He was a brilliant journalist who exposed corruption and wrongng in high places. But he was also a reckless and often unethical reporter who was willing to use any means necessary to get a story.

Some people believe that Pearson was a great journalist who deserves to be remembered for his work exposing corruption. Others believe that he was a ruthless and unethical reporter who damaged the reputation of journalism.

Regardless of one's opinion of Pearson, there is no doubt that he was one of the most influential journalists of the 20th century. His column, "Washington Merry-Go-Round," was a must-read for anyone who wanted to know what was really going on in the nation's capital. And his tactics, while often questionable, were effective in exposing corruption and wrongng.

Pearson's legacy is still debated today. But one thing is for sure: he was a one-of-a-kind journalist who left a lasting mark on American journalism.

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Drew Pearson, a famous journalist who was known for his syndicated column, "Washington Merry-Go-Round."

The Columnist: Leaks, Lies, and Libel in Drew Pearson's Washington

by Donald A. Ritchie

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12801 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	379 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE