Robert Emmett Tyrrell Jr.

Robert Emmett Tyrrell Jr. (born December 14, 1943) is an American conservative author, columnist, and editor. He is the founder and longtime editor-in-chief of The American Spectator, a conservative magazine known for its investigative reporting and critiques of liberal politics. Tyrrell is also a prolific author, with numerous books on politics, history, and culture.

Early Life and Education

Tyrrell was born on December 14, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in a Roman Catholic family. He attended Indiana University, where he became involved in conservative student activism. During his college years, Tyrrell became a protégé of conservative historian Stephen Tonsor, who influenced his political and intellectual outlook.

Founding of The American Spectator

In 1967, Tyrrell founded The American Spectator while still a student at Indiana University. Originally titled The Alternative: An American Spectator, the publication began as a conservative journal intended to counter liberal dominance in academia and media. Under Tyrrell’s leadership, The American Spectator grew into a nationally influential magazine, particularly during the 1980s and 1990s.

The magazine gained prominence for its investigative reporting, including its coverage of scandals involving members of the Clinton administration. Its reporting on the Whitewater controversy and the Monica Lewinsky scandal established its reputation as a watchdog for conservative causes.

Writing and Influence

Tyrrell is the author of several books on politics, culture, and history, including:

• The Liberal Crack-Up (1984) – A critique of liberal politics in the late 20th century.
• The Clinton Crack-Up (2007) – An analysis of the Clinton presidency and its scandals.
• After the Hangover: The Conservatives’ Road to Recovery (2010) – A reflection on the future of the conservative movement.

Tyrrell’s writing is characterized by wit, sharp criticism, and his unapologetic advocacy for conservative principles. He has contributed to major publications such as The Wall Street Journal and National Review and remains an influential voice in American conservative thought.

Legacy and Honors

Tyrrell’s contributions to conservative journalism and thought have been recognized with awards and honors, including the Gerald Loeb Award for Commentary. He continues to write and serve as an editor-at-large for The American Spectator.

See Also

• The American Spectator
• Conservatism in the United States
• Whitewater controversy
• Monica Lewinsky scandal

References

• Tyrrell, Robert Emmett Jr. The Conservative Bookshelf: Essential Works That Impact Today’s Conservative Thinkers. HarperCollins, 2005.
• The American Spectator. Official website: [1]