November 15, 2007
Rove Joins The Fourth Estate
President Bush's "Boy Genius" has crossed over to the dark side -- the mainstream media, that is.
The Poynter Institute's Jim Romenesko posted a press release from Newsweek earlier today announcing that former White House deputy chief of staff Karl Rove would join the magazine as an op-ed contributor. Pointing to former Clinton adviser George Stephanopoulos as a model, Newsweek editor Jon Meacham explained the magazine's decision: "Whether one agrees or disagrees with Karl, there is no arguing that he has been a critical player in the political world with insights and experiences that we think will give our readers something unique."
Even before he left the White House, many speculated about Rove's legacy within the Bush administration and what the longtime political adviser's next career move might be. He shrugged off speculation that he would get involved in one of the GOP presidential candidates' campaigns, and his new gig should finally put such talk to rest. Rove has managed to keep his name in the news since stepping aside. He penned a September op-ed defending GOP positions on health care in the Wall Street Journal. And last week he characterized liberal bloggers as "angry kooks" on the "nutty fringe of political life." (UPDATE: Bad news, Karl. The other newest addition to the Newsweek family is Markos Moulitsas, founder of lefty blog Daily Kos.)
Rove's transition from strategist to journalist should be interesting to observe. We just ask this one thing, please -- no dancing.
