Charles Lipson
- Writer, Columnist, Professor of Political Science, Freelance
- Contributor, RealClear Politics
- Contributor, The Spectator (World)
Chicago
As seen in:
RealClear Politics,
The Spectator (World),
MSN,
MSN Ireland,
MSN UK,
The Telegraph,
The Wall Street Journal,
Yahoo Canada,
Yahoo News,
Yahoo News UK,
Newsweek,
Chicago Tribune
and
Covers:
American politics, US foreign policy, international relations
Peter B. Ritzma Prof Emeritus, Pol Sci, U. of Chicago; contributor to Real Clear Politics, Spectator|World, WSJ, The Telegraph, Newsweek, . and others
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
Columnist for the Chicago Tribune
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes, indeed.
How is social media changing news?
Immensely. It has decentralized everything, added voices, but also led to different groups seeing only news that reinforces their views.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
William Boot in Evelyn Waugh's Scoop.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
I am an opinion writer, not a reporter, and, for me, that means finding the main issues and stating them clearly, without pulling punches.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
A simple suggestion via email is best
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Just word processing and the usual internet search engines.
What's your favorite social network?
Facebook, with Twitter second.
Who do you wish followed you?
Reporters, bloggers, opinion columnists focusing on US politics, US foreign policy, and international relations
Why did you become a journalist?
As an extension of my career as an educator. My opinion columns are really another way of teaching to a larger audience, & getting feedback
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Columns analyzing the surveillance scandals in 2016-17, directed at the Trump campaign, transition, and presidency
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Edit, edit, edit your copy. Clear, succinct writing requires editing and revision.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Afternoons
What's the best pitch you ever got?
The best were conversations that prompted me to lay out my own thoughts in writing.
What's your favorite drink?
Sparkling water
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
In my reading chair
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I read very widely among websites and magazines. Diversity is more important than picking out one or two "best ones."
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
In foreign policy, the misconception is that the game ends after one or two moves. It doesn't. Reactions lead to further reactions.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.