History of Peggy Noonan in Timeline

Peggy Noonan is a prominent American author and columnist known for her conservative political views. She served as a speechwriter for President Ronald Reagan and has consistently contributed to major publications like The Wall Street Journal. Noonan has penned multiple best-selling books, establishing her as a respected voice in conservative political commentary.

September 7, 1950: Birth of Peggy Noonan

Peggy Noonan was born on September 7, 1950.

1975: Noonan Begins Work at WEEI Radio

Peggy Noonan started working as an overnight newswriter at WEEI Radio in Boston in 1975.

1977: Noonan's Role at WEEI Expands

By 1977, Peggy Noonan had transitioned from an overnight newswriter to the Editorial and Public Affairs Director at WEEI Radio.

1978: Noonan's Foray into Academia

In 1978, Peggy Noonan took on the role of adjunct professor of journalism at New York University.

1979: Noonan's Second Year as Adjunct Professor

Peggy Noonan continued her role as adjunct professor of journalism at New York University in 1979.

1984: Noonan Authors Iconic Reagan Speeches

In 1984, Peggy Noonan authored two of Ronald Reagan's most well-known speeches: "Boys of Pointe du Hoc" for the 40th anniversary of D-Day and his address to the nation following the Challenger explosion.

1984: Peggy Noonan Joins Reagan Administration

In 1984, Peggy Noonan began working as a primary speechwriter and Special Assistant to President Ronald Reagan.

1984: Noonan Pens Reagan Tribute to JFK

In the spring of 1984, Peggy Noonan wrote a tribute for President Reagan to honor President John F. Kennedy at a fundraiser at Senator Edward M. Kennedy's home.

1985: Noonan Marries Richard W. Rahn

Peggy Noonan married Richard W. Rahn, chief economist at the US Chamber of Commerce, in 1985.

1986: Peggy Noonan Departs Reagan Administration

Peggy Noonan's time in the Reagan administration ended in 1986.

1987: Birth of Noonan's Son

Peggy Noonan's son, Will, was born in 1987.

1988: Noonan Shapes Bush's 1988 Campaign

Peggy Noonan played a significant role in George H.W. Bush's 1988 presidential campaign. She coined the phrases "a kinder, gentler nation" and "a thousand points of light," and wrote his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention, in which he famously pledged, "Read my lips: no new taxes."

1989: Noonan Moves Back to New York

Following her divorce, Peggy Noonan returned to her native New York with her son in 1989.

1992: Bush Breaks "No New Taxes" Pledge

George H.W. Bush's reversal of his "no new taxes" pledge, a key part of his 1988 campaign, is often cited as a contributing factor to his defeat in the 1992 re-election campaign.

1995: Noonan Receives Golden Plate Award

In 1995, Peggy Noonan was honored with the American Academy of Achievement's Golden Plate Award, presented by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Edmund Morris.

2003: Noonan Voices Support for Iraq Invasion

Peggy Noonan publicly supported the US invasion of Iraq in 2003.

August 2004: Noonan Campaigns for George W. Bush

In August 2004, Peggy Noonan took a leave of absence from her position at The Wall Street Journal to actively campaign for the re-election of George W. Bush.

2004: Noonan Residing in Brooklyn Heights

In 2004, Peggy Noonan was living in Brooklyn Heights with her son, who attended the nearby Saint Ann's School.

2007: Noonan Co-Founds wowOwow.com

Peggy Noonan, along with Liz Smith, Lesley Stahl, Mary Wells Lawrence, and Joni Evans, co-founded the website wowOwow.com in 2007.

2008: Noonan Criticizes Sarah Palin's Candidacy

During the 2008 presidential campaign, Peggy Noonan publicly criticized Sarah Palin's vice presidential candidacy, sparking backlash from many conservatives.

November 2010: Noonan Expresses Disapproval of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

Peggy Noonan voiced her criticism of President Obama's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in November 2010.

March 2013: Noonan Critiques Obama Administration

In March 2013, Peggy Noonan used a personal anecdote about a hotel stay to criticize the Obama administration's handling of job creation and infrastructure spending.

2017: Noonan Wins Pulitzer Prize

Peggy Noonan was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 2017.

June 2019: Noonan's Column on Trump Supporters' Loyalty Questioned

In June 2019, Peggy Noonan wrote a column about the loyalty of Trump supporters, but it was criticized for its limited and anecdotal basis, relying on conversations with her sister and uncle.

June 2019: Trump Criticizes Noonan on Twitter

In June 2019, former President Donald Trump publicly criticized Peggy Noonan on Twitter after she called for his censure by congressional Democrats.

August 2019: Noonan's Column on Hispanic Trump Supporters Draws Mockery

Peggy Noonan faced criticism and mockery for a column she wrote in August 2019 about Donald Trump's support among Hispanic Americans, which was based on a conversation she had with an acquaintance.

2021: Noonan Criticizes Trump Following Capitol Attack

Peggy Noonan publicly criticized Donald Trump in the aftermath of the 2021 United States Capitol attack.

June 2022: Trump Issues Statement Against Noonan

In June 2022, Donald Trump released a statement criticizing Peggy Noonan after she wrote an article suggesting the Republican Party was moving away from him.

July 2022: Noonan Comments on Remote Work

In July 2022, Peggy Noonan wrote a column about the rise of remote work and its impact on city life, expressing her view that the trend could lead to increased loneliness.