Gore Vidal dies July 31, 2012

Eugene Luther Gore Vidal,  October 3, 1925 – July 31, 2012, was an American author, playwright, essayist, screenwriter, and political activist. His third novel, The City and the Pillar (1948), outraged mainstream critics as one of the first major American novels to feature unambiguous homosexuality. He also ran for political office twice and was a longtime political critic.

Wikipedia

Gore Vidal dies aged 86
Feisty American author wrote widely on everything from politics and literature to homosexuality and religion
The Guardian, 1.8.2012

US author Gore Vidal dies aged 86
Celebrated writer and political commentator Gore Vidal has died aged 86, his family has confirmed.
BBC, 1.8.2012
With some telling comments by readers.

If one listens closely to the words of Gore Vidal, one wonders how he could hve been popular. There is a contradiciton, not on his side, but on the side of the American public. Obviously popularity doesn't ncessarily come along with understanding. Ohterwise American politics would be quite different. But his is, of course, not to count on Gore Vidal who was outspoken and highly educated. The Americans generally are of low education, as Vidal for himself compared often in contrast to the Europeans. Unfortunately, this low educated not knowing people easyly can be fooled and welcome to be fooled. This is an eminent danger, not the last, of which Gore Vidal spoke often.

Addendum:

'The Man Who Knew Everyone' - Gore Vidal Through The Eyes Of The One Per Cent Press
David Edwards, MEDIA LENS, August 20, 2012