Leaks, Lies, and Libel: Drew Pearson's Washington Merry-Go-Round

The Columnist: Leaks, Lies, and Libel in Drew Pearson's Washington

by Donald A. Ritchie

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12801 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	379 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The Washington Merry-Go-Round

Drew Pearson was an American journalist and columnist who is best known for his syndicated column, the Washington Merry-Go-Round. The column was a mix of gossip, scandal, and political analysis that was often critical of powerful figures in Washington, D.C.

Pearson was a pioneer in investigative journalism, and his column was often the first to expose corruption and wrongng in the nation's capital. He was also a master of self-promotion, and he often used his column to attack his enemies and promote his own agenda.

The Washington Merry-Go-Round was a huge success, and it made Pearson one of the most famous journalists in the country. However, his column also made him a target for lawsuits and libel charges. Pearson was sued more than 50 times, and he was convicted of libel on several occasions.

Leaks, Lies, and Libel

One of the most famous lawsuits against Pearson was filed by President Harry S. Truman. In 1950, Pearson accused Truman of using his influence to get his brother a job at a bank. Truman sued Pearson for libel, and the case went to trial. The jury found Pearson guilty, and he was ordered to pay Truman $25,000 in damages.

Pearson's conviction for libel was a major setback, but it did not stop him from continuing to write his column. He continued to expose corruption and wrongng in Washington, and he continued to make enemies.

In 1966, Pearson published a series of articles that accused President Lyndon B. Johnson of using his influence to get special favors for his friends. Johnson was furious, and he sued Pearson for libel. The case was eventually settled out of court, but Pearson was forced to pay Johnson a large sum of money.

Pearson's lawsuits and libel convictions did not silence him. He continued to write his column until his death in 1969. He was a tireless advocate for the public interest, and his work helped to expose corruption and wrongng in Washington.

Legacy

Drew Pearson was a controversial figure, but he was also one of the most influential journalists of his time. His column, the Washington Merry-Go-Round, was a must-read for anyone who wanted to know what was really going on in Washington. Pearson was a pioneer in investigative journalism, and he helped to expose corruption and wrongng in the nation's capital.

Pearson's legacy is mixed. He was a brilliant journalist who exposed corruption and wrongng, but he was also a ruthless and often unethical character. He was sued for libel more than 50 times, and he was convicted of libel on several occasions.

Despite his flaws, Pearson was a major figure in American journalism. His work helped to expose corruption and wrongng in Washington, and he made a significant contribution to the public interest.

The Columnist: Leaks, Lies, and Libel in Drew Pearson's Washington

by Donald A. Ritchie

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12801 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	379 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE