Princeton UP Ideas Podcast

Tom Arnold-Forster, "Walter Lippmann: An Intellectual Biography" (Princeton UP, 2025)

Aug 27, 2025
Tom Arnold-Forster, a historian at the Rothermere American Institute, discusses his latest work on Walter Lippmann, a pivotal American journalist and political theorist. They dive into Lippmann's evolution from a liberal socialist to a conservative liberal, exploring his impactful writings on media and public opinion. Arnold-Forster emphasizes Lippmann's theory of journalistic objectivity and reflects on his critiques of U.S. foreign policy during Vietnam. The conversation draws parallels to current challenges in media and democracy, revealing Lippmann's complex legacy.
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INSIGHT

Origins Of Lippmann's Democratic Theory

  • Lippmann's early education and mentors shaped his democratic theory for modern mass society.
  • Graham Wallas and William James taught him to use social psychology to understand complex public opinion.
ANECDOTE

Early Journalism Mentors

  • Lippmann briefly worked with John Reed and more substantially with muckraker Lincoln Steffens.
  • He researched Wall Street's political power under Steffens and learned journalism's duty to uncover truth.
INSIGHT

War Service Shaped Views On Propaganda

  • During WWI Lippmann moved between journalism and government roles, shaping his views on propaganda.
  • He rejected Creel's CPI approach and worked on military rather than civilian propaganda.
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