Andrew Breitbart

Andrew Breitbart – Life, Career, and Controversial Legacy

Learn about Andrew Breitbart (1969–2012): his path from writer to media entrepreneur, his founding of Breitbart News, his role in shaping modern conservative media, and the controversies and influence that mark his legacy.

Introduction

Andrew Breitbart (February 1, 1969 – March 1, 2012) was an American media entrepreneur, political commentator, and provocative figure in conservative journalism. He is best known as the founder of Breitbart News and as a pioneer in using digital platforms to challenge mainstream media narratives. Over his relatively short life, Breitbart redefined how media, politics, and culture interact in the Internet age, while also drawing sharp criticism for his tactics, ideological bias, and polarizing style.

Early Life and Background

Andrew James Breitbart was born in Los Angeles on February 1, 1969.

He was raised in the affluent Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. Brentwood School, where he first discovered an interest in writing.

Though raised in a Jewish household, Breitbart later described himself as “playfully Jewish” and generally secular.

Breitbart earned a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from Tulane University in 1991.

After college, his early work included positions in media, entertainment, and online ventures.

Career and Achievements

Early Media Activity & The Drudge Report / HuffPost

Breitbart was an early adopter of online media tactics. He admired and corresponded with Matt Drudge, founder of The Drudge Report, and used that model as inspiration for aggregating and distributing politically charged news online.

Breitbart was also involved in the creation of The Huffington Post (HuffPost), initially helping launch the site in its early stages before departing to focus on more ideologically aligned projects.

Founding Breitbart News & the New Media Model

In 2007, Breitbart founded what would become his signature venture: Breitbart News (also known for sister sites such as BigGovernment, BigHollywood, BigJournalism).

He popularized the idea that “politics is downstream from culture,” meaning that culture and narratives must be shaped before political change can follow. This phrase is often referred to as the “Breitbart Doctrine.”

Breitbart’s enterprise broke or amplified several controversial stories, including:

• The Anthony Weiner sexting scandal

• The ACORN undercover video controversy

• The Shirley Sherrod episode, where a video ostensibly showing discriminatory remarks led to her dismissal, only later to be challenged on grounds that the video had been deceptively edited

These episodes underscored Breitbart’s role as a media provocateur willing to push boundaries in pursuit of influence.

Public Commentary & Political Activism

Breitbart was an unmistakable presence in conservative politics. He frequently appeared on cable news, talk radio, and at political events. Tea Party movement, participated in political commentary, and embraced confrontational rhetoric toward liberal media and public figures.

He also published books, such as Righteous Indignation: Excuse Me While I Save the World.

Controversies & Criticism

Andrew Breitbart’s style and practices attracted significant controversy throughout his career:

• Selective editing allegations: The Shirley Sherrod case revealed that portions of her speech were edited to suggest racial bias when in full context the message was different.

• Ideological bias & accusations of extremism: Critics have labeled Breitbart News as promoting xenophobia, racism, and misogyny.

• Confrontational tone: Breitbart was known for harsh rhetoric toward opponents in media and politics, sometimes resorting to insults or provocative statements.

• Ethical concerns: Debates persist over the ethics of his media stunts, his use of leaks or hidden-camera tactics, and his posture toward journalistic norms.

Because of these and other criticisms, his legacy remains highly polarizing: hailed by supporters as a pioneer, criticized by detractors as a demagogue.

Personal Life & Death

Andrew Breitbart married Susannah Bean (daughter of actor Orson Bean) and had four children.

On the night of February 29, 2012, Breitbart collapsed near his home in Brentwood and was rushed to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. He was pronounced dead shortly after midnight on March 1, 2012.

The coroner’s report cited hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with focal coronary atherosclerosis and determined the cause of death was congestive heart failure.

His burial was at Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery.

After his passing, Breitbart’s media outlets and legacy were carried forward by associates such as Larry Solov, who became CEO of Breitbart News.

A documentary, Hating Breitbart, was released in October 2012 as a posthumous look at his life and impact.

Legacy & Influence

Andrew Breitbart’s impact on media, politics, and culture is significant, though deeply contested. Some key facets of his legacy:

• Innovating partisan digital media: He helped establish a model for ideologically driven, high-velocity online media outlets that shape political narratives outside traditional news institutions.

• Redefining media vs. politics boundaries: Breitbart blurred the lines between journalism, activism, and partisanship, influencing how media is wielded as a political tool.

• Cultural influence on conservatism: His doctrine that culture shapes politics remains influential in conservative strategy and media circles.

• Enduring controversies: The practices he championed—shock tactics, provocative editing, ideological slant—remain contentious, and many of his methods are continuously scrutinized and debated.

• Platform persistence: Breitbart News remains an active, high-profile media network that plays a role in U.S. political discourse, even after his death.

While critics condemn many of his methods and positions, his influence on how media is mobilized in the digital age is unmistakable.

Selected Quotes & Remarks

• “Politics is downstream from culture.” (Often attributed to the “Breitbart Doctrine”)

• On media power: he believed new media could disrupt established news elites and shift control over narratives.

• In interviews, he described using hyperbole intentionally to provoke and engage audiences.

Lessons & Reflections

1. Media is a form of power: Breitbart’s career underscores how controlling narratives and distribution channels can be as influential as holding office.

2. Provocation can attract attention—but risks legitimacy: His methods show how provocative tactics can generate reach but also backlash or mistrust.

3. Ideology and identity intertwine in modern media: Breitbart’s model shows how media outlets today often align with political identities, blurring “reporting” and “advocacy.”

4. Short life, long shadow: Breitbart’s relatively early death did not limit his impact; his legacy continues to influence conservative media strategies.

5. Ethics remain central: The controversies around his methods highlight the ongoing tension between influence, truth, and responsibility in journalism.

Conclusion

Andrew Breitbart was an energetic, controversial force whose ambitions reshaped modern conservative media. Through founding Breitbart News and leveraging digital platforms, he challenged mainstream media’s dominance, introduced new media tactics, and left a legacy of both innovation and contention. Whether one associates him with media disruption, political polarization, or strategic communication, his life underscores the power—and danger—of blending media, ideology, and activism.