Story perspectives

Norman Podhoretz, Influential Editor, Dies at 95

12/22/2025

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Podhoretz's Legacy Endures

Norman Podhoretz, longtime editor of Commentary, died at 95 from pneumonia complications.
His death was confirmed by his son, John Podhoretz.
Podhoretz's journey shifted from leftist ideals to a critique of Soviet and Islamist threats.
He gained a reputation as a provocative thinker and attracted conservatives such as Ronald Reagan.
Under his leadership, Commentary evolved into a significant voice and clashed with liberal publications.

Right

Nocera Honors Podhoretz

Joe Nocera reflects on Norman Podhoretz's legacy after his death at age 95.
He revisits Podhoretz's influential autobiography, Making It (1967), noting its impact on him through its candid exploration of ambition.
Podhoretz noted that discussing personal success often causes embarrassment in polite society, suggesting that ambition has become a taboo topic among educated Americans.
The column serves as tribute to Podhoretz's contributions to literature and the discourse on ambition.

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Podhoretz's Legacy Endures

Norman Podhoretz, longtime editor of Commentary, died at 95 from pneumonia complications.
His death was confirmed by his son, John Podhoretz.
Podhoretz's journey shifted from leftist ideals to a critique of Soviet and Islamist threats.
He gained a reputation as a provocative thinker and attracted conservatives such as Ronald Reagan.
Under his leadership, Commentary evolved into a significant voice and clashed with liberal publications.

1 / 2