Howard Rushmore

Howard Clifford Rushmore (July 2, 1913 – January 3, 1958) was an American journalist and editor known for his work in investigative journalism, particularly during the mid-20th century. He was a staunch anti-communist and a significant figure in the fight against subversive activities in the United States.

Early Life and Career

Rushmore was born in Mitchell, South Dakota, and began his journalism career at a young age. He quickly developed a reputation for his fearless reporting and dedication to uncovering the truth. Rushmore initially worked for the Daily Worker as a film critic. When Rushmore reviewed Gone with the Wind in 1939, he recalled his grandmother who had told him many suppressed stories about hardships suffered by common people of the American South during the period. Rushmore, not wanting to give the film a completely negative review, praised its overall cinematography and aesthetics.

This was not sufficient to Rushmore's then-editor, Benjamin J. Davis, demanded that he dislike everything about the movie. Rushmore refused to rewrite the review and was fired by Davis. The firing became a major media story, and brought Rushmore into national fame and prominence, as most of the media sided with Rushmore.

Anti-Communism

Rushmore, as a former Communist, now began to publicly criticize Communism and Communists in his writing. Rushmore joined the New York Journal-American. As an investigative journalist, Rushmore exposed communist infiltration in various institutions, including Hollywood and the media. His work was instrumental in raising public awareness about the threats posed by communist sympathizers and agents operating within the United States.

Contributions to Journalism

Rushmore wrote for the American Mercury. At the New York Journal-American, he gained fame for his hard-hitting investigative pieces. His articles often focused on exposing corruption, organized crime, and subversive activities.

Work with McCarthy

Rushmore briefly worked for Senator Joe McCarthy, and his aide Roy Cohn. After a falling out with Cohn, Rushmore went back into journalism.

Confidential Magazine

Later, starting in 1954, he wrote for and eventually became the editor of Confidential Magazine. As the editor of Confidential, a sensationalist magazine known for its exposés on celebrities and public figures, Rushmore continued his crusade against immorality and subversion, albeit through a more tabloid-style medium. Rushmore got into a dispute with Publisher Robert Harrison about a planned expose on Eleanor Roosevelt having an affair with her driver and resigned in 1956. He was later working as the editor at the National Police Gazette for a time.

1957 Criminal Libel Trial

After years of using lawfare to try and silence Confidential Magazine, an opportunistic District Attorney, Edmund "Pat" Brown decided to file criminal libel charges against the magazine. The goal was to silence the publication for Brown's powerful and wealthy funders. The case was styled as The People of the State of California v. Robert Harrison et al. Rushmore testified for the prosecution. The case ended on a mistrial October 1, 1957.

Tragedy in 1958

Rushmore and his spouse were undergoing constant fighting and disputes. Wife Frances was about to leave on a trip to Brazil. Rushmore was going through a series of money problems, having become a notorious figure in journalism. The two entered a cab and during the ride, where Frances was demanding to be taken to the police station, Rushmore shot and killed Frances and then killed himself. Rushmore remains were claimed by his first wife, Ruth, cremated and buried in Missouri.

Legacy

Rushmore's work was characterized by his unwavering commitment to American values of freedom and democracy. He saw his role as a journalist not just to inform, but to protect the nation from internal threats. Through his investigative reporting, Rushmore played a significant role in shaping public opinion during the early Cold War period.

Selected Writings

• Rushmore, Howard. “The Arty Party Line.” Plain Talk, Vol. 2, No. 3 (December 1947): 47.
• Rushmore, Howard. “Who Are the A-Bomb Spies?” Plain Talk, Vol. 2, No. 4 (January 1948): 3.
• Rushmore, Howard. “Daily Worker Kick-Back.” Plain Talk, Vol. 2, No. 7 (April 1948): 49.