My Conversation with the Protégés of William F. Buckley, Jr.

Last night I gathered a group of protégés of William F. Buckley, Jr. to talk about his life, his influence, and what we've lost. I spoke with Rich Lowry, the editor of National Review, Richard Brookhiser, a senior editor at National Review, the historian Garry Wills, CBS News correspondent Jeff Greenfield, and Mona Charen, author and syndicated columnist. Here are some parts of that conversation:

Comments

[GQTaste]

the guy was referring to the panel. Who were all for the war except for maybe that CNN dude. And yes Buckley was in military and also was in CIA for a short period of time.

[dadw5boys]

Buckley knew how to make the American People angry with what he spewed.

They bought his rag to see what outlandish remarks he would make to attempt to kill some elses spirit.

[desmirl]

Oh great. A convention of CHICKENHAWKS. All of them pro-war, none has ever worn a uniform. They aren't Patriots, Charely, they are cowards! Shame on you for associating with them.

[Advocate123]

I find your argument disingenuous: Buckley was in the military, so was McCain. I don't see you treat these people with any more respect because their service. I hate to break it to you, but Buckley was liked by people on the Left because it was never personal to him.

[desmirl]

When and where was Buckley in the military? I've checked several biographies and can't find a reference.

[desmirl]

Second post. Sorry, missed the reference to his service and had to dig a bit more. So, he was in the Army in WWII and served on a stateside honor guard. How impressive! In other words, Buckley didn't see a lot (any!) of action because he had high-level connections. And your comment about McCain... He collaborated with the enemy while a POW. There is that thing called the Code of Honor, in which one pledges NOT TO COOPERATE WITH THE ENEMY IF CAPTURED. McCain broke that code of honor, and it showed a lot about his character.