The unexpected death of conservative publisher Andrew Breitbart Thursday prompted an explosion of online activity, from instant obits to conspiracy-tinged tweets.
In Washington, Breitbart friends and foes weighed in on the passing of the controversial and colorful man. Journalist Donna Brazille surprised some by tweeting, “Rest in peace you tireless, relentless right wing warrior who enjoyed celebrating your friends and allies.” Derek Hunter, a columnist for Breitbart publication Big Government, wrote, “”One thing we can take comfort in – God’s gonna have a great website now.”
Anti-tax warrior Grover Norquist provided a fuller picture to Yeas & Nays, describing the man he knew and worked with. “People always refer to so-and-so as a ‘force of nature,’” he said by phone. “He’s the only person to whom I’ve considered that to be an apt expression.” When Norquist saw a headline proclaiming Breitbart’s death, he didn’t realize it was serious. “Because Andrew is usually getting in trouble for this, that or the other thing,” he explained. His death, says Norquist, is a blow to the conservative movement.
“Great guy, huge loss.”
