David Horowitz, Conservative Leader, Dies at 86

David Horowitz, a former Marxist who became a prominent conservative writer and activist, died on April 29 at age 86. Raised in a communist family in Queens, Horowitz was deeply involved in leftist movements, co-founding Ramparts magazine and supporting the Black Panthers before a personal tragedy led to his ideological transformation. His memoir, 'Radical Son,' is widely recognized for chronicling his journey from the political left to the right and is praised for its insight into American ideological divides. Horowitz was lauded by conservative leaders for his intellectual honesty and influential role in shaping the conservative movement, particularly through his efforts to expose and critique left-wing ideology. He was an early and vocal opponent of political correctness on college campuses, founding publications and centers to champion free speech and conservative principles. His life and work are credited with offering unique understanding and critique of the American left from an insider’s perspective.