Walter Lippmann

Walter Lippmann Historical Figure Nationality: United States Year of Birth: 1889 Year of Death: 1974 Cause of Death: Cardiac arrest Religion: Judaism Occupation: Journalist, Author of Non-Fiction, Philosopher Parents: Jacob Lippman, Daisy Baum Spouse: Faye Albertson (divorced) Professional Affiliations: New Republic Military Branch: United States Army (World War I) Fictional Appearances:

Walter Lippmann (September 23, 1889 – December 14, 1974) was an influential American award-winning writer, journalist, and political commentator. Lippman was the recipient of the Pulitzer Prize in 1958 and 1962 for his syndicated newspaper column, "Today and Tomorrow." He popularized the term "cold war" in a 1947 publication.

Walter Lippmann in The Man With the Iron Heart

The Man With the Iron Heart POD: May 29, 1942; Relevant POD: May, 1945
Type of Appearance:	Direct

Walter Lippman was a supporter of President Harry Truman's decision to keep US troops in Germany. Nonetheless, during a press conference, Lippman did ask Truman about the possibility that the Republicans might run Dwight Eisenhower for the presidency in 1948.

In 1946, Lippman traded editorial barbs with Tom Schmidt of the Chicago Tribune. Schmidt had grown increasingly critical of the Truman Administration.

Walter Lippmann in Joe Steele

Joe Steele POD: 1878; Relevant POD: July, 1932
Novel or Story?:	Both
Type of Appearance:	Direct (novel) Contemporary reference (story)

Walter Lippmann was present at a press conference called by President Joe Steele in the wake of the arrest of the "Supreme Court Four" for treason in early 1934. Lippmann was plainly horrified by Steele's decision to suspend habeas corpus, even though the Constitution permitted such suspension in times of rebellion. Lippmann argued that when Abraham Lincoln suspended habeas corpus, it was during the American Civil War, and that the U.S. was not at war at present. Steele countered that the country was at war with hunger, poverty and want, and that the four justices were fighting on behalf of the enemy. Lippmann countered that the Steele's answer had nothing to do with treason or with spying for Germany, as the government alleged the Supreme Court Four of doing. Moreover, the U.S. was at peace with Germany. Steele calmly reminded Lippmann that the U.S. had been at war with Germany in the past, and might be again soon. Lippmann finally accused Steele of dancing on the Constitution for his own purposes. Steele coolly responded that the responsibility for the country was his, and that the Supreme Court Four would keep hurting the country unless stopped.

Literary comment

In the short story, Walter Lippman dubs the four justices the "Gang of Four", suggesting he is more sympathetic to Steele in the short story than he is depicted to be in the novel.