Conservative columnist, publisher Andrew Breitbart dead at 43
by Andrew Moran (Guest writer/Digital Journalist)
Conservative activist and blogger Andrew Breitbart has passed away from natural causes at the age of 43. He died shortly after midnight in his Los Angeles home. Breitbart is well-known for his support of the Tea Party and criticism of Occupy Wall Street.
Andrew Breitbart, the popular right-wing columnist, who ran five websites, including Breitbart.com, has died. It was announced on BigGovernment.com, an Andrew Breitbart website, that he passed away from natural causes.
Fox News is reporting that Breitbart was walking to his house when he collapsed. A bystander saw him collapse and immediately called paramedics. They attempted to revive him and then transported him to the emergency room at UCLA Medical Center. He suffered from heart problems a year earlier.
Breitbart is mostly known for helping Arianna Huffington launch The Huffington Post and working as an editor for the Drudge Report. He has also published journalistic pieces and has exposed unflattering stories of politicians, such as former New York Congressman Anthony Weiner.
“I love my job. I love fighting for what I believe in. I love having fun while doing it. I love reporting stories that the Complex refuses to report. I love fighting back, I love finding allies, and—famously—I enjoy making enemies,” wrote Breitbart in the conclusion of his new book, “Righteous Indignation.”
“Three years ago, I was mostly a behind-the-scenes guy who linked to stuff on a very popular website. I always wondered what it would be like to enter the public realm to fight for what I believe in. I’ve lost friends, perhaps dozens. But I’ve gained hundreds, thousands—who knows?—of allies. At the end of the day, I can look at myself in the mirror, and I sleep very well at night.”
The conservative publisher recently made headlines when he interrupted an Occupy rally outside of the Conservative Political Action Conference where he told the activists to “stop raping people.” He also told them to “behave themselves” and that they are “freaks and animals.”
Breitbart leaves behind four children and his wife, Susie Bean.Many comments over at BigGovernment.com have wished Breitbart well.
Meanwhile, ABC News is reporting that former Pennsylvania Senator and 2012 Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum was “crestfallen” upon hearing the news from reporters.”Oh that’s shocking. Obviously prayers go to him and his family and it’s a big shock. What a powerful voice. It’s almost you mean you think of anyone who’s more energy who’s out there constantly driving and pushing he would be,” said Santorum on the campaign trail at a city hall in Georgia. “What a huge loss in my opinion for our country and certainly for the conservative movement and the prayers go out to my family. I’m sorry to hear it.”
This article originally appeared in Digital Journal [Link]
Flickr photo by Gage Skidmore