William Safire

William L. Safire (born December 17, 1929) is an author, semi-retired columnist, and former journalist and presidential speechwriter. He is perhaps best known as a long-time syndicated political columnist for The New York Times and a regular contributor to "On Language" in the New York Times Magazine, a column on grammar, etymology, new or unusual usages, and other language-related topics.

Related Topics:
December 17 - 1929 - Journalist - Presidential - Speechwriter - Syndicated - The New York Times - New York Times Magazine - Grammar - Etymology - Language

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Safire attended Syracuse University, but dropped out after having attended only two years. Safire was to later deliver a commencement address there, and became a trustee of the university. Safire is a graduate of the Bronx High School of Science, an elite public school in New York City.

Related Topics:
Syracuse University - Bronx High School of Science

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Before he became a journalist, Safire was a speechwriter for Richard Nixon and Spiro Agnew; he wrote Agnew's phrase "nattering nabobs of negativism." From 1955 to 1960, he was a public relations executive. Previously he had been a radio and television producer and a United States Army correspondent.

Related Topics:
Richard Nixon - Spiro Agnew - 1955 - 1960 - Public relations - Radio - Television producer - United States Army - Correspondent

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In 1978, he won the Pulitzer Prize for commentary on Bert Lance's alleged budgetary irregularities. However, subsequent investigations by Congress could find no wrong doing.

Related Topics:
Pulitzer Prize - Commentary - Bert Lance - Congress

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Upon announcing Safire's retirement as a political columnist Arthur Sulzberger, Jr., publisher of The New York Times stated:

Related Topics:
Arthur Sulzberger, Jr. - The New York Times

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:The New York Times without Bill Safire is all but unimaginable, Bill's provocative and insightful commentary has held our readers captive since he first graced our Op-Ed Page in 1973. Reaching for his column became a critical and enjoyable part of the day for our readers across the country and around the world.

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:Whether you agreed with him or not was never the point, his writing is delightful, informed and engaging."

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Since 1995 Safire has served as a member of the Pulitzer Board. After ending his op-ed column, Safire became the full-time chief executive of the Dana Foundation, where he had been chairman since 2000.

Related Topics:
Pulitzer - Dana Foundation

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