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Robert Novak
Syndicated Columnist
Journalist who outed CIA operative Valerie Plame
Overview
Robert David Sanders Novak was an American syndicated columnist and television commentator who became central to the Plame affair when he published the identity of covert CIA officer Valerie Plame in July 2003. His column revealed Plame identity as retaliation against her husband, Ambassador Joseph Wilson, who had contradicted Bush administration claims about Iraqi WMDs.
Key Affiliations
Controversies & Concerns
Published the identity of covert CIA officer Valerie Plame in his July 14, 2003 syndicated column, naming her and her CIA affiliation
Received the information from Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage and confirmed it with Karl Rove, effectively serving as a vehicle for the Bush administration retaliation against Wilson
The leak potentially endangered Plame intelligence contacts and operations abroad
Was not prosecuted by Special Counsel Fitzgerald, likely because he cooperated with the investigation, while his source Scooter Libby was convicted
Related Investigations (0)
Known Associates & Connections
Karl Rove
Confirmed Plame identity as second source
Dick Cheney
Vice President whose office orchestrated the retaliation
Sources & Documentation
1 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports
Personal Information
Education
- •University of Illinois, BA 1952
Key Timeline
2003-07-14
Published column revealing Valerie Plame identity as CIA officer
2003-12-30
Special Counsel Patrick Fitzgerald appointed to investigate the leak
2006-07-12
Revealed Richard Armitage was primary source for the leak
2009-08-18
Died of brain cancer at age 78