Last week, the conservative movement lost a legend. Journalist Andrew Breitbart — who constructed one of the most influential media dynasties — died at the young age of 43.
Breitbart was a man who kept liberals on their toes. His effective use of new media techniques defined him as a media leader, and his journalistic style was nothing short of revolutionary.
Breitbart was the conservative response to leftist strategist Saul Alinsky. His relentless (and confrontational) pursuit of corruption made him one of the most despised journalists in the field. In other words, he was incredibly successful at his job.
As he famously once said, “I’m committed to the destruction of the old media guard, and it’s a very good business model.”
I will never forget hearing him speak at the Young America’s Foundation West Coast Leadership Conference just over two years ago. Breitbart had just taken down the Association of Community Organizers for Reform Now (ACORN) after two young investigative journalists entrusted him with groundbreaking footage. Their hidden-camera exposé showed ACORN staffers offering advice on taxes and prostitution to actors posing as a prostitute and pimp.
As a result, public pressure led Congress to block previously-approved funds from going to ACORN and stopped future payments, and ACORN summarily dissolved (likely into other corrupt substitutes).
The most intriguing part of this entire scandal was the way in which Breitbart released the footage. With the release of the first clip, reporters apparently pressured him to release all the tapes immediately. But Breitbart rejected their appeals; instead, he played the clips sporadically to generate anxiety on the part of the mainstream media. Breitbart was a man who held the liberal establishment in the palm of his hand and made them sweat.
And how can we forget the infamous Weiner scandal? One of Breitbart’s websites, BigGovernment.com, caused a stir when it posted lewd photos of U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner, a “firebrand” liberal congressman from New York. As a direct result, this corrupt representative wisely decided to resign from his position and late night television received weeks’ worth of comedic substance.
Breitbart provided Americans with breaking news in a way that was witty, entertaining and influential. He used unconventional methods to ensure that his news reached out to all demographics, and he was a master at stealing the spotlight.
A champion of youth activism and conservative causes, Breitbart was an inspiration to aspiring journalists across the nation. He held all politicians and public servants accountable, regardless of political affiliation, and constantly endured harsh criticism from the establishment. Breitbart always pushed for the truth and had a knack for uncovering breaking news.
Breitbart.com will continue to serve the public as a source of political justice and truth, a beacon of honesty and a warning for those who choose to misrepresent the public. While the liberal media might have briefly sighed with relief at the news of Breitbart’s passing, it undoubtedly is afraid that a new “Breitbart” will come upon the scene.
Americans will never forget the humor, integrity and genius of Breitbart. Shortly before his passing, he noted: “I do what I do because the mainstream media chooses not to do it. The game of the left controlling the narrative … is ending.”
May his prophetic words come true.