Bob Novak - RIP

Longtime Washington political columnist and television commentator, Bob Novak died today after a year-long battle with brain cancer.

Novak was an unapologetic conservative, but as an interviewer he was equally tough on a guest regardless of their political leanings. Unlike many current television interviewers, he treated all his guests respectfully and did not show animosity towards those with different points of view. In fact, he had been quoted as saying "he rarely disliked those with whom he appeared combative -- one significant exception was then-presidential candidate Jimmy Carter, whom the columnist called a populist demagogue and "habitual liar."

An interesting side note regarding Novak is he was baptized Catholic in his late 60's. It isn't often that you hear of someone embracing a religion that late in life. Good for him.