Matt Drudge, born on October 27, 1966, in Maryland, grew up in a household with a social worker father and a mother who worked as a staff attorney for United States Senator Ted Kennedy. Despite his parents' emphasis on education and public service, Drudge struggled academically in high school, as he details in his memoir "Drudge Manifesto." His poor performance in school pushed him towards a different path, leading to various odd jobs, including telemarketing work in the 1980s.
It was during this time that Drudge found his passion for journalism and media. He started his own website, the Drudge Report, which quickly gained popularity for its breaking news coverage. One of Drudge's most notable scoops was breaking the Monica Lewinsky scandal, a story that had been overlooked by traditional media outlets. This groundbreaking reporting brought Drudge into the national spotlight and solidified his reputation as a leading figure in online news.
The Drudge Report's decision to publish the story of President Bill Clinton's affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky was a pivotal moment in Drudge's career. While other news outlets hesitated to report on the scandal, Drudge's willingness to cover the story set him apart as a fearless and influential journalist.
Andrew Breitbart, a conservative journalist and editor, played a crucial role in Drudge's career development. Breitbart's encouragement and support helped Drudge navigate the challenges of running a successful news website and expand his reach to a wider audience.
In addition to his online presence, Drudge also ventured into radio and television. He hosted an evening talk show and a program on Fox News Channel, further establishing his reputation as a versatile and talented media personality.
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