Category: Richest Politicians › Republicans
Net Worth: $10 Million
Birthdate: February 1, 1969 – March 1, 2012
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Profession: Journalist, Writer, Editor, Author, Entrepreneur, Commentator, Publisher
Overview
Andrew Breitbart was a conservative publisher, journalist, and the founder of Breitbart News, known for its controversial and far-right stance. At the time of his death in 2012, his net worth was $10 million, stemming from his success as a media entrepreneur and publisher. Breitbart is credited with shaping the radical conservative movement in the United States and developing platforms for conservative voices.
Early Life and Education
- Adopted at Birth: Born in Los Angeles and adopted by Gerald and Arlene Breitbart.
- Education:
- Attended Brentwood School, an elite private institution.
- Graduated from Tulane University in 1991 with a degree in American Studies.
- Influence of Upbringing: Raised in a Jewish household and worked as a pizza delivery driver during high school.
Career Milestones
Huffington Post and Early Media Work
- Drudge Report: Worked closely with Matt Drudge on The Drudge Report, gaining exposure to online journalism.
- Huffington Post: Helped co-found the liberal website Huffington Post before pivoting to conservative platforms.
Breitbart News Network
- Founded: 2007.
- Vision: A conservative counterpart to the Huffington Post.
- Content Sources: Initially aggregated news from major outlets like Reuters and Associated Press but evolved into a platform for far-right narratives.
- Major Stories: Broke news of the Anthony Weiner scandal in 2011.
- Growth and Legacy: Became a central hub for alt-right supporters, especially during Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.
“Breitbart Doctrine”
- Philosophy: “Politics is downstream from culture.”
- Belief: To influence politics, one must first shape cultural perceptions and decision-making processes.
Personal Life
- Spouse: Married to Susie Bean Breitbart.
- Children: Four.
- Death:
- Passed away on March 1, 2012, at age 43 from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (heart failure).
- Tributes were paid by prominent conservatives, including Rush Limbaugh, Sarah Palin, and Tucker Carlson.
Controversies
- Shirley Sherrod Video: Accused of selectively editing a video to misrepresent Sherrod’s speech, leading to a defamation lawsuit settled in 2016.
- Occupy Movement Criticism: Publicly berated Occupy D.C. protestors, sparking viral outrage.
Legacy
Andrew Breitbart remains a polarizing figure in American media. His work paved the way for the rise of far-right conservatism and the prominence of alternative news platforms like Breitbart News, which continues to influence political discourse and media consumption.
