Walter Lippmann (1889–1974) was an American journalist, political commentator, and public intellectual. He was a leading figure in the field of political commentary and analysis in the United States during the 20th century. He was a prominent writer and editor, working for several newspapers and magazines, including The New Republic and The New York Herald Tribune. He also wrote several influential books on politics, including "Public Opinion" (1922) and "The Phantom Public" (1925).
Lippmann was known for his insightful and often critical commentary on American politics and society. He was a strong advocate for democracy and was highly critical of the way in which the media and political system often failed to inform and engage citizens. He is considered a pioneer of the field of media studies and his ideas on the role of the media in democracy continue to be influential today.
He was also a member of the New York Intellectuals, a group of intellectuals, writers, and critics who were active in New York City in the mid-20th century. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1964, and he is considered to be one of the most important political commentators of the 20th century.