The Other McCain

"One should either write ruthlessly what one believes to be the truth, or else shut up." — Arthur Koestler

R.I.P., Andrew Breitbart: Innovative Genius of New Media Dies at Age 43

Posted on | March 1, 2012 | 99 Comments

WINCHESTER, Virginia
“There is never a good time for bad things to happen,” I had just remarked to my wife, as we drove to the hospital where today we are dealing with a family emergency.

Minutes later, my cell phone rang. Jeff Quinton was calling to tell me the news: “Andrew Breitbart died.”

It was incredible. It had to be some kind of bad joke. I called Matthew Vadum, a contributor to Breitbart’s Big Government, who said he had confirmed the shocking news.

Vadum and I had just been hanging out with Breitbart last Friday at the Marriott Hotel in Troy, Michigan, where Breitbart spoke Saturday at the Americans for Prosperity Michigan forum.

A little later, Cynthia Yockey called me in tears, mourning Andrew’s loss, but as I told her, our own sense of loss of our friend and ally — a powerful and innovative force in conservative New Media — is inconsequential compared to the fathomless pain experienced by Andrew’s wife and four children, who should be in our prayers.

He may have been the greatest genius I’ve ever met, with a keen, intuitive mind. Although he had been diagnosed with attention deficit disorder — he had a freewheeling quality about him, and his schedule was quite improvisational – Breitbart was also capable of a laser-like focus on whatever subject captured his interest. There were times you’d be talking to him and, if that spark of passionate interest hit, his luminous blue eyes would glow with an intensity that was almost frightening.

Andrew was 10 years younger than me. I’d known him for five years. His death reminded me of the 2007 death of John Berthoud of the American Taxpayers Union who, like Andrew, generously gave of his time and knowledge to help build the liberty movement.

I’m sure I’ll have updates later, and regret that I’m not in a position to do more blogging about this tragic loss today, but as I said: There is never a good time for bad things to happen.

R.I.P., Andrew.

UPDATE: Everyone who knew Andrew is probably telling stories today of their “Breitbart moments.” One of my favorites was in April 2010 at the Southern Republican Leadership Conference in New Orleans, when Ali Akbar threw a blogger bash for GOP congressional candidate Ray McKinney and Breitbart showed up to regale us all with tales of New Orleans voodoo:

Lyndsey Fifield reacts to Breitbart’s remark — a Tulane alumnus, Breitbart was confirming that New Orleans voodoo is a reality — as Dave Weigel of Slate and political operative Zach Oldham stare in stunned amazement.

UPDATE II: Linked by the Rhetorican — thanks!

UPDATE III: Linked by the Lonely Conservative — thanks!

UPDATE IV: Rick Santorum reacts:

Obviously prayers go to him and his family and it’s a big shock. What a powerful voice. It’s almost you mean you think of anyone who’s more energy who’s out there constantly driving and pushing he would be.

Breitbart’s politics were a bit more libertarian than Santorum’s, but Andrew was strongly pro-life. It was kind of personal with him, because he was adopted — his birth parents were a couple of ’60s hippie types — and Andrew thus understood deeply the enormous potential of “unwanted” babies.

UPDATE V: Linked by the Anchoress and Daily Punditthanks!

UPDATE VI: Linked by Don Surber, Trevor Loudon, Andrew J. Patrick, Red Alexandria, Da Tech Guy, Moose and Squirrel, Dateline Zero, Temple of Mut, The Radio Patriot, Fire Andrea Mitchell, Katy’s Conservative Corner, Wizbang, Fausta Wertz, Republican Redefined, NOLA Defender, Nice Deb, Katy Pundit and The Camp of the Saintsthanks!

UPDATE VII: Linked by American Glob, POH Diaries and That Mr. G Guythanks!

Comments

99 Responses to “R.I.P., Andrew Breitbart: Innovative Genius of New Media Dies at Age 43”

  1. Jeff Peterson64
    March 1st, 2012 @ 11:23 am

    RIP indeed, and thanks for the nice characterization. Breitbart was an agent provocateur in the world of new media analogous to the role Buckley played in respectable opinion journalism in the 50s and 60s (before he got domesticated in the 70s and 80s). Breitbart played the role brilliantly, and it’s difficult to see how he will be replaced. 

  2. DaTechGuy
    March 1st, 2012 @ 11:24 am

    And to those of the left consumed with Glee never were these words more true:  “He’ll be back and he’ll be millions.”

  3. RIP, Andrew Breitbart | The Lonely Conservative
    March 1st, 2012 @ 11:25 am

    […] or radio host on the right who have gotten involved in the last few years, so are you.Update 3: Final thought from Stacy McCain.“… our own sense of loss of our friend and ally — a powerful and innovative force […]

  4. Pete in GA
    March 1st, 2012 @ 11:30 am

    Stacy, thank you  for introducing me to Andrew @ CPAC. The movement has lost a giant. Others will rise up.

  5. The Wondering Jew
    March 1st, 2012 @ 11:32 am

    RIP to Andrew.  What a huge loss for his family, the conservative movement, and the country.

  6. Bob Belvedere
    March 1st, 2012 @ 11:37 am

    We’ve lost our Sam Adams.

  7. Just heard reported on the radio that Andrew Breitbart has passed away, according to multiple news sources. Rest in peace. « The Rhetorican
    March 1st, 2012 @ 11:52 am

    […] ONE: But who cares about those jerks?  R.S. McCain shares fond memories of Andrew Breitbart. Share this:FacebookTwitterLinkedIn […]

  8. AngelaTC
    March 1st, 2012 @ 12:02 pm

    Shirley Sherrod is crying harder than anybody – I don’t think you can sue a dead guy.

  9. Leslie Eastman
    March 1st, 2012 @ 12:05 pm
  10. Andrew Breitbart, RIP; Reactions « The Anchoress
    March 1st, 2012 @ 12:13 pm

    […] WeigelNational Review ReactionsFox News ReactionsDa Tech GuyJimmie Bise, JrDaniel FosterStacy McCain //Posted in Breitbart, Sherrod, UncategorizedOne Response to “Andrew Breitbart, RIP; […]

  11. Andrew Breitbart Dies | Daily Pundit
    March 1st, 2012 @ 12:19 pm

    […] UPDATE: Stacy McCain has more. […]

  12. Joe Hall
    March 1st, 2012 @ 12:21 pm

    This is a terrible loss at a crucial time in American history!
    Andrew was the sane voice in a corrupt world!
    Prayers for his family, courage to his followers, and defeat to his detractors!

  13. R.I.P. Andrew Breitbart « Don Surber
    March 1st, 2012 @ 12:27 pm

    […] Robert Stacy McCain has a story. CommentsPowered by Facebook […]

  14. Trevor Loudon's New Zeal Blog » One Falls Along the Way…
    March 1st, 2012 @ 12:39 pm

    […] Stacy McCain #dd_ajax_float{ background:none repeat scroll 0 0 #FFFFFF; border-top:1px solid #DDDDDD; border-bottom:1px solid #DDDDDD; border-left:1px solid #DDDDDD; float:left; margin-left:-78px; margin-right:10px; margin-top:10px; position:absolute; z-index:9999; }jQuery(document).ready(function($){ var $postShare = $('#dd_ajax_float'); if($('.dd_content_wrap').length > 0){ var descripY = parseInt($('.dd_content_wrap').offset().top) – 20; var pullX = $postShare.css('margin-left'); $(window).scroll(function () { var scrollY = $(window).scrollTop(); var fixedShare = $postShare.css('position') == 'fixed'; if($('#dd_ajax_float').length > 0){ if ( scrollY > descripY && !fixedShare ) { $postShare.stop().css({ position: 'fixed', top: 16 }); } else if ( scrollY < descripY && fixedShare ) { $postShare.css({ position: 'absolute', top: descripY, marginLeft: pullX }); } } }); } }); jQuery(document).ready(function($) { window.setTimeout('loadLinkedin_12980()',1000);window.setTimeout('loadDigg_12980()',1000); }); function loadLinkedin_12980(){ jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('.dd-linkedin-12980').remove();$.getScript('http://platform.linkedin.com/in.js&#039;); }); } function loadDigg_12980(){ jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('.dd-digg-12980').remove();$('.DD_DIGG_AJAX_12980').attr('href','http://digg.com/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.trevorloudon.com%2F2012%2F03%2Fone-falls-along-the-way%25e2%2580%25a6%2F&title=One%20Falls%20Along%20the%20Way%E2%80%A6&#039;);$.getScript('http://widgets.digg.com/buttons.js&#039;); }); } jQuery(document).ready(function($) { if($(window).width()> 790){ $('#dd_ajax_float').show() }else{ $('#dd_ajax_float').hide() } $(window).resize(function() { if($(window).width()> 790){ $('#dd_ajax_float').show() }else{ $('#dd_ajax_float').hide() } }); }); ; […]

  15. Edward
    March 1st, 2012 @ 12:40 pm

    Honestly I’m not getting this.  Was it genetic?  Something long term?  Someone told me that Breitbart had dinner with Bill Ayres last night before he died, this after having won the dinner at an auction.

    Is this really from natural causes?

    Because 43 seems far too young for that.  Not without some long standing illness.

  16. One Falls Along the Way…
    March 1st, 2012 @ 12:40 pm

    […] Stacy McCain […]

  17. Andrew Brietbart is Dead. « Andrew J. Patrick
    March 1st, 2012 @ 12:45 pm

    […] STACY MCCAIN CHIMES IN: He may have been the greatest genius I’ve ever met, with a keen, intuitive mind. Although he had been diagnosed with attention deficit disorder — he had a freewheeling quality about him, and his schedule was quite improvisational – Breitbart was also capable of a laser-like focus on whatever subject captured his interest. There were times you’d be talking to him and, if that spark of passionate interest hit, his luminous blue eyes would glow with an intensity that was almost frightening. Share this:TwitterLinkedInFacebookStumbleUponLike this:LikeBe the first to like this post. […]

  18. Multimedia Group
    March 1st, 2012 @ 12:49 pm

    “Natural causes?”  How does one die at this young of an age of “natural causes”?  I mourn the loss and I wonder exactly what happened.

  19. R.I.P. Andrew Breitbart « Red Alexandria
    March 1st, 2012 @ 12:50 pm

    […] Perhaps the best one of all is by Robert Stacy McCain at The Other McCain. It is a great read and well worth a few minutes. […]

  20. Datechguy's Blog » Blog Archive » Andrew Breitbart is dead at only 43 » Datechguy's Blog
    March 1st, 2012 @ 12:59 pm

    […] Robert Stacy McCain He may have been the greatest genius I’ve ever met, with a keen, intuitive mind. Although he had been diagnosed with attention deficit disorder — he had a freewheeling quality about him, and his schedule was quite improvisational – Breitbart was also capable of a laser-like focus on whatever subject captured his interest. There were times you’d be talking to him and, if that spark of passionate interest hit, his luminous blue eyes would glow with an intensity that was almost frightening. […]

  21. BestRealAmerican
    March 1st, 2012 @ 1:10 pm

    Please, connect the dots. He was ELIMINATED.
     
     Watch this video:
     
     http://www.mediaite.com/tv/watch-andrew-breitbarts-fiery-cpac-speech-i-have-college-days-obama-videos/
     
     This was the man who spoke out BRAVELY against the radical obama.
     So they SILENCED him….FOREVER
     
     Even if you are liberal, democrat it doesn’t matter —
     
     DO YOU THINK THIS WAS A COINCIDENCE?
     
     Brietbart “died unexpectedly of natural causes” at 43?!?!? Are you KIDDING ME?!?!
     
     If you don’t stand up for this NOW they will be coming for us ALL later
     
     Please, spread the word.

  22. Andrew Breitbart: Gone too soon — mooseandsquirrel.ca
    March 1st, 2012 @ 1:10 pm

    […] R.I.P., Andrew Breitbart: Innovative Genius of New Media Dies at Age 43 He may have been the greatest genius I’ve ever met, with a keen, intuitive mind. Although he had been diagnosed with attention deficit disorder — he had a freewheeling quality about him, and his schedule was quite improvisational – Breitbart was also capable of a laser-like focus on whatever subject captured his interest. […]

  23. BestRealAmerican
    March 1st, 2012 @ 1:11 pm

    Don’t be swayed by comments of “oh, he had a heart problem”….poisoning often looks like heart problems.
    That’s how they get away with it.

  24. R.I.P., Andrew Breitbart | An Ex-Con's View
    March 1st, 2012 @ 1:14 pm

    […] think The Other McCain says it best: “[…] There is never a good time for bad things to happen,” I had just […]

  25. Evi L. Bloggerlady
    March 1st, 2012 @ 1:15 pm

    Andrew would have loved them exposing themselves for what they are.  I am very shaken today by this.  What a terrible loss for his family and for all of us.   I am so sorry for this.  

  26. Adjoran
    March 1st, 2012 @ 1:17 pm

    Rest in peace, O Happy Warrior.

    We should each pledge to pick up a small part of his burden and carry it on, for he will not be easily replaced by a single soul.

    I never knew the great Orson Bean was his father-in-law, until now.

  27. Andrew Breitbart Dead At 43 : Dateline Zero
    March 1st, 2012 @ 1:17 pm

    […] UPDATES: […]

  28. D.E. Paine
    March 1st, 2012 @ 1:22 pm

    Thought it was kinda’ decent for Media Matters to point out that, while they and Breitbart disagreed (obviously), they respected him for being passionate and true to his strongly held views and beliefs. 

    Hope your family gets through the family emergency alright, Sir. Talk about a difficult day. 

  29. The Shrine is in Deepest Mourning for Dead Warrior « Temple of Mut
    March 1st, 2012 @ 1:26 pm

    […] The Other McCain: RIP, Andrew Breitbart. […]

  30. Bob Belvedere
    March 1st, 2012 @ 1:33 pm

    I second that motion.

  31. Andrew Breitbart Gone. « The Radio Patriot
    March 1st, 2012 @ 1:41 pm

    […] Review Reactions Tucker Carlson Fox News Reactions Da Tech Guy Jimmie Bise, Jr Daniel Foster Stacy McCain Joshua […]

  32. RIP Andrew Breitbart – dead at age 43 : Fire Andrea Mitchell!
    March 1st, 2012 @ 1:45 pm

    […] out more reactions at Hotair, Weasel Zippers, The Other McCain, Ace of Spades, Michelle Malkin, Gateway Pundit. Food for thought. Remember at CPAC 2012 Andrew […]

  33. Jeff Sullivan
    March 1st, 2012 @ 1:49 pm

    It’s unusual, but it can happen.  My father died of a heart attack at the age of 37.  An autopsy revealed extensive arteriosclerosis.

    Based on what’s been reported so far, I am under the impression that Breitbart had a heart attack.

    And Stacy, I hope you’re all okay.

  34. RIP Andrew Breitbart
    March 1st, 2012 @ 1:49 pm

    […] McCain, of the Other McCain, thus far has the best story.  He had seen Andrew much more recently than had this blogger.  KCC […]

  35. Pandragon
    March 1st, 2012 @ 1:51 pm

    No, you’ve lost your Goebbels.  All due sympathies to his admirers.

  36. TWB
    March 1st, 2012 @ 1:56 pm

    Even Charles Johnson had nice words for Breitbart. Those who choose to dance on a man’s grave are truly dead inside. Being dead inside is much worse than the physical death that will eventually find us all.

  37. Carljohnveraja
    March 1st, 2012 @ 2:11 pm

    Anger and booze are killers.

  38. Andrew Breitbart Dead At 43 | Wizbang
    March 1st, 2012 @ 2:32 pm

    […] up about Breitbart having known and worked with him at the Big sites.UPDATE II: As Stacy McCain eloquently puts it, “There is never a good time for bad things to happen,” yet they always do. Share […]

  39. Dave
    March 1st, 2012 @ 2:36 pm

     Would you like a drink?

  40. Dave
    March 1st, 2012 @ 2:43 pm

    For us A great man has fallen, and so it falls to us to take the banner from his dying hands and hoist it aloft for liberty and freedom. Remember the words of Ephesians 6:12:

    “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers,
    against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and
    against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

    For Andrew I wish him Godspeed. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

  41. Dave C
    March 1st, 2012 @ 2:56 pm

    Suck eggs you dog shit eater.

  42. Adjoran
    March 1st, 2012 @ 2:57 pm

     Yes, there are a few decent people left on the left, and a few shreds of decency left in many others which might lead them out of perdition.

    But did you see Matt Yglesias?  What an evil little asshole – and unapologetic for it, too.  That’s the sort of person the Short Pants Brigade at NRO told us we could have a “civil and honest debate on the issues” with.

  43. Pandragon
    March 1st, 2012 @ 3:07 pm

    Now, now DC.  Breitbart reveled in the ad hominim attack.  Recall that he went on an absolute tear when Teddy Kennedy died.  You may agree with what he did, but it pretty much undercuts the argument that it’s inappropriate for anyone to dance on his grave (which, actually, I wasn’t; just noting who he actually came closer to resembling).  Anyway, check out his Teddy-grave-dancing:  http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2009/08/26/57997/breitbart-kennedy-twitter/?mobile=nc

    Goose, gander?
    One more thing, it’s clear the dude was really unbalanced and due to pop a cork sooner than later.  Watch this little gem from a few weeks ago and tell me that you’re surprised that his candle burned out: 

  44. Fausta's Blog » Blog Archive » Andrew Breitbart is dead?
    March 1st, 2012 @ 3:10 pm

    […] Stacy reminds us that Andrew was pro-life since he had been […]

  45. richard mcenroe
    March 1st, 2012 @ 3:17 pm

     I know, Breitbart that intolerant bastard saying mean things about a dead, woman-killer waitress-raper who tried to sell his country out to the Soviet Union for party politics.  How judgmental of him.

  46. richard mcenroe
    March 1st, 2012 @ 3:19 pm

     I had at two acquaintance die of natural causes before my 45th birthday.

  47. richard mcenroe
    March 1st, 2012 @ 3:19 pm

     So what are we all sitting around for?

  48. richard mcenroe
    March 1st, 2012 @ 3:20 pm

     I have no time for Boehlert’s self-serving bullshit and less tolerance for people who fall for it.

  49. richard mcenroe
    March 1st, 2012 @ 3:21 pm

     Make it a double, to be sure.

  50. AngelaTC
    March 1st, 2012 @ 3:24 pm

    Meh – heart attacks aren’t all that fussy about who they hit. Neither are aneurysms.  The average lifespan of the American male is 78, I think?  That means only half make it that far.