Walter Lippmann (1889-1974) 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."
Walter Lippmann was present at a press conference called by PresidentJoe 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 in the time 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.[3]
Literary comment
In the short story, Walter Lippman coins the phrase "Gang of Four" to describe the four Supreme Court justices, suggesting he is more sympathetic to Steele than he is in the novel.
