Andrew Sullivan

Andrew Sullivan is a prominent British-American political commentator and author who has significantly influenced public discourse through his writing and blogging since the 1990s. His career spans traditional journalism, pioneering political blogging, and various editorial positions at major publications. After serving as editor of The New Republic from 1991-1996, Sullivan became known for The Daily Dish, one of the first and most influential political blogs, which he maintained across various platforms from 2000-2015. His work has appeared in publications including The Atlantic, The New York Times Magazine, and New York magazine, where he served as a writer-at-large. Sullivan's political philosophy has evolved from traditional conservatism to a more complex position that often challenges both liberal and conservative orthodoxies. His books include "Virtually Normal" (1995), an examination of gay rights and politics, and "The Conservative Soul" (2006), which explores the intersection of faith and conservative philosophy. A graduate of Oxford and Harvard, Sullivan's intellectual framework combines Catholic theology, classical liberal principles, and the conservative philosophy of Michael Oakeshott. His current work continues through The Weekly Dish, a subscription-based newsletter and podcast launched in 2020.

Readers praise Sullivan's direct writing style and willingness to challenge both conservative and liberal positions. His blog "The Daily Dish" attracted loyal followers who valued his real-time analysis and personal voice. Multiple reviewers note his ability to explain complex political ideas in accessible terms. Readers appreciate: - Independent thinking that doesn't fit standard political categories - Clear, thoughtful analysis of current events - Personal openness about his faith and sexuality - Skill at fostering substantive debate Common criticisms: - Can be overly reactive/emotional in responses - Sometimes seen as inconsistent in positions - Writing style occasionally viewed as pretentious - Some find his centrism frustrating On Goodreads, "Virtually Normal" averages 3.9/5 from 300+ ratings. "The Conservative Soul" rates 3.7/5 from 200+ reviews. His Substack newsletter "The Weekly Dish" maintains a 4.2/5 rating from subscribers. One reader summarized: "Sullivan challenges my assumptions while remaining intellectually honest about his own biases and evolution of thought."

Virtually Normal: An Argument About Homosexuality (1995) An examination of four major approaches to homosexuality in society - prohibitionist, liberationist, conservative, and liberal - and their implications for gay rights and politics.

Love Undetectable: Notes on Friendship, Sex, and Survival (1998) A personal and philosophical exploration of friendship, the AIDS crisis, and the evolution of gay identity in modern society.

The Conservative Soul: How We Lost It, How to Get It Back (2006) An analysis of contemporary American conservatism, criticizing fundamentalism while advocating for a more traditional conservative philosophy.

Out on a Limb: Selected Writing, 1989–2021 (2021) A collection of Sullivan's essays spanning three decades, covering politics, culture, religion, and personal experiences.

Christopher Hitchens wrote extensively on politics, religion, and culture with a similar intellectual independence and willingness to challenge orthodoxies. His work combines deep knowledge of history and literature with political analysis, covering topics from foreign policy to atheism.

David Brooks explores conservative thought and social analysis through a lens that, like Sullivan, often transcends typical partisan divisions. His focus on character, community, and moral philosophy shares similarities with Sullivan's examination of political and cultural dynamics.

Michael Oakeshott directly influenced Sullivan's conservative philosophy and approach to political theory. His writings on the nature of conservatism and skepticism toward rationalist politics provide foundational concepts that appear throughout Sullivan's work.

George Orwell wrote political essays and journalism that combine personal experience with broader social analysis in ways that mirror Sullivan's approach. His work demonstrates similar attention to intellectual honesty and willingness to critique his own political allies.

Edmund Burke developed philosophical frameworks about conservatism and tradition that inform Sullivan's political thought. His writings on ordered liberty and skepticism toward radical change connect directly to themes in Sullivan's analysis of contemporary politics.