Andrew Breitbart: Not Lost in Our Hearts and Minds

The stunning loss of Andrew Breitbart this morning has left a gaping wound in the soul of the conservative movement. The Internet entrepreneur and intrepid soldier for the cause of freedom was a shining example of a leader who was as close and relatable as a family member.

While Andrew (Mr. Breitbart was his father, as he might say) cut his teeth at the Drudge Report and by helping to start the HuffingtonPost, he found his niche in the New Media with his websites, which became known as “The Bigs.” He rose to national notoriety with the masterfully sequenced release of James O’Keefe’s and Hannah Giles’ ACORN exposes, which scattered the radical group and led to its ultimate defunding by Congress.

Andrew made himself a magnet for all the left’s hatred and bile, selflessly seeking out and attracting animosity on numerous media platforms.  Having once been a leftist, as he admitted, he knew all about rage. Channeling that anger into righteous indignation, which he wielded against the “transformational” left, explains both his tireless efforts and his hardcore lifestyle.

As Breitbart’s website put it, “We have lost a husband, a father, a son, a brother, a dear friend, a patriot and a happy warrior.”

But Andrew gave us so much more than he could possibly take with him in his passing. So many of us will not forget his inspiring work to keep America the land of freedom and opportunity. I will personally regret not meeting him and shaking his hand for everything he has done for myself and others.  After speaking with him on the phone on a few occasions and even having chatting with him on Facebook (yes, he was that personable!), it became my sincerest and deepest wish to emulate him in any way that I possibly could.

Andrew Breitbart was one of the few good guys who “got it.”  His understanding of the left’s cultural war against America made him a unique conservative with exceedingly rare leadership qualities.  The man may have passed in body, but he truly will not be lost in our hearts and minds.