August 18, 2009 1:40PM 

# Robert D. Novak, 1931–2009 

By [Edward H. Crane](https://www.cato.org/people/edward-h-crane) 

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![51433922](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/pubs_2x/public/wp-content/uploads/bob_novak.jpg?itok=93JDyRFK) 

Veteran political columnist [Robert D. Novak](http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/18/AR2009081801761.html?hpid=topnews), 78, died today of a brain tumor at his home in Washington DC.

Odd that the self-described Prince of Darkness was one of the nicest persons I’ve ever known. Unlike many here in Babylon-by-the-Potomac, Bob became less enamored of the Establishment the longer he was here. He believed in liberty and was a great friend of the Cato Institute.

He will be sorely missed.

##### Related Tags 

[General](https://www.cato.org/general), [Government and Politics](https://www.cato.org/government-politics) 

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