Westbrook Pegler

Date of Birth: August 2, 1894

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: June 24, 1969

Biography

Westbrook Pegler was an influential American journalist and columnist known for his conservative views and sharp critiques of prominent figures and institutions. Born James Westbrook Pegler in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Pegler became a well-known name in American journalism in the mid-20th century. He began his career as a sports writer and eventually evolved into a political commentator. Pegler’s columns often featured his outspoken and controversial opinions, which earned him both admiration and criticism. He wrote for the Chicago Tribune and the Scripps-Howard newspaper chain, and his work was widely syndicated, making him one of the most read columnists in the United States during his peak years. Pegler was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Reporting in 1941 for his work in exposing corruption in labor unions. Throughout his career, Pegler was known for his staunch opposition to the New Deal policies of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, his criticism of labor unions, and his disdain for what he perceived as the moral decline of American society. Despite his controversial stance, Pegler’s impact on American journalism and his legacy as a provocative and fearless commentator remain significant.

5 Interesting Facts about Westbrook Pegler

1. Pegler began his journalism career as a sports writer before transitioning to political commentary.

2. He was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Reporting in 1941 for his exposé on corruption in labor unions.

3. Pegler was known for his strong opposition to Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal policies.

4. His columns were syndicated in hundreds of newspapers, making him one of the most influential journalists of his time.

5. Pegler’s outspoken and often controversial views led to his being dropped by the Scripps-Howard newspaper chain in 1962.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Westbrook Pegler

1. “I am a member of the rabble in good standing.”

2. “My hate is general; I hate almost everybody.”

3. “We have had in Washington a ten-year orgy of spending and corruption.”

4. “A form of government that is not able to protect the lives and the property of its people is a failure.”

5. “To expose corruption in government is a noble task.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Westbrook Pegler is not well-documented, but during his peak years as a syndicated columnist, he was one of the highest-paid journalists in America.