In the rich tapestry of American political thought, William F. Buckley Jr. stands as a towering figure whose intellectual brilliance has left an enduring legacy on conservatism. With a literary portfolio spanning over 50 books, along with countless essays and columns, Buckley not only defined but also advanced conservative ideology in the United States. This blog post explores Buckley’s prolific writing career, highlighting how his works have served as the intellectual cornerstone of American conservatism. From his groundbreaking critique of academia in God and Man at Yale to his sharp political commentary in National Review, Buckley’s writings have shaped generations of thinkers, policymakers, and public discourse. Here, we examine how his words have provided both a philosophical foundation and a practical framework for conservative political engagement.
Bill of Rights Institute: William F. Buckley Jr. and the Conservative Movement
William Frank Buckley Jr. was the preeminent voice of American conservatism in the latter half of the twentieth century. He was born in 1925 in New York City, the son of Josephine Steiner and William F. Buckley Sr., an oil developer and lawyer. In 1944, Buckley Jr. graduated from U.S. Army Officer Candidate School and was commissioned a second lieutenant during World War II. At the end of the war, he enrolled in Yale University, where he excelled as a debater and chaired the Yale Daily News. He was also selected for the secret Skull and Bones society, one of the few Roman Catholics of that era to be offered membership in this elite and traditionally Protestant society of undergraduates selected for their leadership qualities. After Yale, Buckley served for two years with the Central Intelligence Agency, including one year in Mexico as a field officer. In 1950, he married Patricia Taylor. The two remained married until her death in 2007.
William F. Buckley Jr. is widely acknowledged as a pivotal figure in shaping modern American conservatism, and his contributions can be documented through several key aspects:
Intellectual Foundation and National Review:
William F. Buckley Jr. founded National Review in 1955, establishing it as the intellectual bedrock of the conservative movement in America. With contributions from luminaries like James Burnham, whose geopolitical insights were crucial, and Russell Kirk, whose traditionalist conservatism was foundational, the magazine carved out a unique ideological path. National Review played a pivotal role in delineating the contours of modern conservatism, offering a venue for rigorous scholarly debate, incisive policy analysis, and the fusion of diverse conservative philosophies into a coherent doctrine known as fusionism. This was further enriched by the economic theories of Milton Friedman in later years, blending traditionalism, libertarianism, and anti-communism into a potent conservative synthesis.
Today, National Review remains a significant voice within conservative circles, though its reception varies. Some modern conservative commentators praise it for maintaining its commitment to intellectual rigor and traditional values, often citing its influence on policy and thought leaders. However, there are also criticisms from those who believe it has either strayed too far from its roots or hasn’t evolved sufficiently to address contemporary challenges. Critics argue that in an era of populist surges and digital media, National Review sometimes appears out of touch with the more immediate, populist expressions of conservatism. Nonetheless, its historical impact, particularly in shaping figures like Ronald Reagan, who acknowledged National Review as a formative influence on his political philosophy, underscores its enduring legacy within conservative thought.
Public Intellectual and Media Presence:
Buckley’s television show, “Firing Line,” aired from 1966 to 1999, spanning 33 years, and served as a stage for Buckley alongside other influential conservatives like Milton Friedman, who compellingly argued for his economic theories, and Thomas Sowell, whose deep analyses of social policy captivated audiences. These figures, together with Buckley, participated in vigorous debates with a diverse array of political figures. One particularly provocative moment on “Firing Line” was when Buckley engaged in a heated exchange with Gore Vidal in 1968, where he famously called Vidal a “queer” in response to Vidal’s insult, leading to significant controversy and discussion about the boundaries of public debate. Despite such moments, the show’s format, characterized by articulate and often witty defenses of conservative principles, played a crucial role in popularizing conservative thought, making it digestible and engaging for a broader audience. “Firing Line” became synonymous with intellectual discourse, mixing education with entertainment, and thereby cemented conservatism’s image as a thoughtful and serious ideology in the public eye.
According to available historical records and contextual information, William F. Buckley Jr. did not formally apologize to Gore Vidal for calling him a “queer” during their 1968 televised debate. However, Buckley did reflect on this moment in a later essay. In an extensive piece he wrote for Esquire in 1969 titled “On Experiencing Gore Vidal,” Buckley expressed regret over his outburst. He acknowledged that his use of the term was a lapse in judgment and not reflective of his usual demeanor in debate, which was known for its civility. While this reflection might be seen as a form of apology or regret, there is no record of a direct, explicit apology to Vidal himself.
Gatekeeping and Movement Purification:
Buckley played a pivotal role in the “purging” or “gatekeeping” of the conservative movement, a process that included several notable actions to define and protect the movement’s ideological core. He was instrumental in excluding elements he deemed extremist or damaging to the movement’s reputation, such as the John Birch Society, which he lambasted for its conspiracy theories and isolationist views. Beyond this, Buckley also opposed the more radical right-wing elements like the Ku Klux Klan and the anti-Semitic fringes, ensuring they did not define conservatism. He championed the dismissal of Ayn Rand’s Objectivism from the conservative canon when it became clear her philosophy was at odds with traditional conservative values.
Similarly, his critique of George Wallace’s segregationist politics underscored his commitment to a conservatism that could appeal to a broader electorate. These acts of boundary-setting were crucial in legitimizing conservatism, distancing it from fringe groups, and making it more acceptable to mainstream America. Although his gatekeeping efforts were controversial, they were part of a strategic move to present conservatism as a thoughtful, responsible political philosophy rather than a refuge for radical ideologies.
Literary Contributions:
Through his prolific writing, Buckley contributed over 50 books, including his seminal work God and Man at Yale (1951), which critiqued the liberal academic establishment and highlighted the need for conservative intellectualism in educational institutions. His books on various subjects from politics to sailing, along with his syndicated column, further disseminated conservative ideas to a broad audience.
Claremont Review of Books: A review of William F. Buckley Jr. – The Maker of a Movement, by Lee Edwards
Buckley was probably the most important public intellectual of the past half-century. He was unquestionably the most prolific, publishing 55 books (both fiction and non-fiction); dozens of book reviews; at least 56 introductions, prefaces, and forewords to other people’s books; more than 225 obituary essays; more than 800 editorials, articles, and comments in National Review; several hundred articles in periodicals other than National Review; and more than 5,700 newspaper columns. He gave hundreds of lectures around the world (about 70 a year, at the peak); hosted 1,504 episodes of Firing Line, and may well have composed more letters than any American who has ever lived.
Michael Novak – A good place for a new reader to begin is Bill’s most brilliant essays (some of them included in Miles Gone By: A Literary Autobiography). Four years ago, I had the privilege of writing a brief note for National Review Online on that pleasurable book. In all the praise of Bill Buckley’s importance in the political sphere, which has poured out in the last few days, too little attention has been paid to his sheerly literary accomplishments, to his craftsmanship, and to his range — both broad and deep. One day soon, the guardians at the gates of the literary canon for the past century may at last come to recognize Bill’s high literary merit.
– Michael Novak is the winner of the 1994 Templeton Prize for progress in religion and the George Frederick Jewett Scholar in Religion, Philosophy, and Public Policy at the American Enterprise Institute.
William F. Buckley Jr. wrote numerous books that significantly influenced conservative thought. Here are some of his most impactful works that promoted conservative principles:
“God and Man at Yale” (1951):
This was Buckley’s first book and arguably his most influential in terms of shaping his public persona and the conservative critique of higher education. In it, he argued that Yale University was indoctrinating students with collectivism and atheism, advocating for a return to traditional values and free-market economics in academia.
“Up From Liberalism” (1959):
This book critiques the New Deal liberalism of the time, arguing for a return to limited government and individual liberty. It outlines Buckley’s vision of what conservatism should stand for, contrasting it with the prevalent liberal ideologies of the era.
“The Unmaking of a Mayor” (1966):
While not a theoretical work on conservatism, this book chronicled Buckley’s campaign for mayor of New York City in 1965. It provided a practical demonstration of conservative ideas applied in a political campaign, highlighting issues like crime, welfare reform, and free-market solutions to urban problems.
“Right Reason” (1985):
A collection of Buckley’s writings where he discusses various contemporary issues from a conservative perspective, emphasizing the importance of moral and philosophical reasoning in political discourse. It underscores the role of conservatism in defending traditional values against modern secularism.
“Gratitude: Reflections on What We Owe to Our Country” (1990):
This book celebrates the virtues of patriotism and gratitude towards one’s country, advocating for an appreciation of American history and the principles upon which the nation was founded. It’s a call for a conservative appreciation of heritage and national identity.
“Happy Days Were Here Again: Reflections of a Libertarian Journalist” (1993):
Buckley reflects on his career and the evolution of conservative thought, providing insights into how conservative principles have adapted to changing times. It’s both a personal memoir and a philosophical discourse on conservatism’s adaptability and resilience.
These books articulated Buckley’s vision of conservatism and engaged with contemporary issues, providing intellectual ammunition for the conservative movement. They helped define what it meant to be a conservative in the post-war, Cold War, and modern contexts, influencing both policy and thought within the movement.
Controversial Moments Rationalized:
Civil Rights: William F. Buckley Jr. initially resisted aspects of the civil rights movement during the tumultuous 1950s and 1960s, a time when America was deeply divided over issues of race and equality. His early stance, influenced by his commitment to states’ rights and skepticism of federal intervention, was notably articulated in his 1957 National Review editorial where he suggested that Southern whites were the “advanced race” – a position he would later regret. This stance was reflective of many conservatives of the era who viewed civil rights legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as an overreach of federal power into state affairs.
However, Buckley’s views evolved, mirroring the broader transformation of the conservative movement in relation to civil rights. By the late 1960s and into the 1970s, under the influence of events like the Civil Rights Movement’s victories, the moral leadership of figures like Martin Luther King Jr., and the evolving political landscape of America, Buckley began to reassess his earlier positions. He acknowledged his initial opposition to civil rights as a “mistake” in his 2004 book “Miles Gone By.” This shift in perspective was emblematic of his broader intellectual journey where he balanced the traditional conservative resistance to federal overreach with emerging moral imperatives.
By the 1980s, Buckley had come to support federal action to end racial segregation, aligning with a conservative ideology that increasingly recognized the need for equal rights under the law. His change of heart was not merely personal but also indicative of a segment of the conservative movement that sought to reconcile its principles with the moral demands of justice and equality, thus contributing to a more inclusive conservative philosophy.
McCarthyism: In the early throes of the Cold War, when the fear of communism permeated American society, William F. Buckley Jr. wrote “McCarthy and His Enemies” in 1954, offering a defense of Senator Joseph McCarthy at the height of McCarthyism. This period was marked by intense anti-communist sentiment, where McCarthy’s aggressive tactics to root out supposed communists from government, academia, and the entertainment industry were both revered and reviled. Buckley’s book was controversial; it positioned him as a defender of McCarthy’s methods, reflecting his staunch anti-communist stance at a time when the U.S. was grappling with the real threat of Soviet espionage and influence.
However, as the 1950s gave way to the 1960s, and as more information came to light regarding McCarthy’s overreach, the excesses of his methods became clearer. Buckley, known for his intellectual rigor and adaptability, began to articulate a more nuanced critique of McCarthyism. By the late 1950s and into the 1960s, Buckley’s writings and public statements reflected a growing skepticism about McCarthy’s tactics, acknowledging the damage done to civil liberties and the reputations of innocent individuals. This evolution in Buckley’s thought demonstrated his capacity to reassess and refine his positions based on new information and changing political landscapes, showcasing a hallmark of his intellectual approach to conservatism.
Modern Criticism:
MRC Newsbusters: Recalling Media Hostility for Bill Buckley & Conservative Movement
It was 25 years ago this week (December 14, 1999) that conservative powerhouse William F. Buckley recorded the final episode of his award-winning talk show, Firing Line. That occasion, as with other important milestones in Buckley’s long and influential career, brought to the surface the liberal media establishment’s hostility toward the retiring host as well as their disdain for the broader conservative movement he helped launch.
While some journalists might have secretly respected Buckley’s impressive intellect, that doesn’t mean that they liked the conclusions he reached. A 1988 survey of readers of the Washington Journalism Review — mostly Washington and New York-based reporters — found that their “least favorite” columnists were George Will, Robert Novak and William F. Buckley. (The same group tapped ABC’s Sam Donaldson, Peter Jennings and Nightline program as winners.)
This spring, taxpayer-subsidized PBS — which for decades reaped the benefits of hosting Buckley’s Firing Line — twisted the Buckley story for an American Masters profile. “Buckley understood that it was part of his role to keep a lid on the dark energies that fueled the conservative movement, but not to repress them entirely, because it was those kind of resentments that he was drawing on that gave conservatism its power as a movement,” historian Geoffrey Kabaservice charged.
Conservatives know and treasure the leading role William F. Buckley played in promoting intelligent conservative ideas. Liberals know his value, too — which is why they alternate between bashing Buckley and complaining that today’s conservatives are unworthy of his impressive legacy.
Legacy and Influence:
William F. Buckley Jr.’s legacy is a subject of considerable debate, with some, like Geoffrey Kabaservice, arguing that Buckley strategically managed the “dark energies” within conservatism, a notion that risks reducing his multifaceted impact to mere political manipulation. However, this viewpoint significantly oversimplifies Buckley’s contribution. Buckley was not merely a manager of resentments but rather an architect of intellectual leadership who provided ideological coherence to the conservative movement. His role involved fostering a rigorous and inclusive dialogue of various conservative strands—traditionalist, libertarian, and anti-communist.
Through “National Review” and “Firing Line,” Buckley elevated the discourse, ensuring that conservatism was not just a reaction to liberalism but a well-articulated philosophy with its own principles and values. His writings, debates, and public engagements demonstrated a commitment to intellectual integrity, challenging the conservative movement to be thoughtful, informed, and adaptable. This intellectual rigor has made Buckley’s influence enduring, serving as a benchmark for conservatism even as it faces contemporary challenges and criticisms. His legacy is one of shaping a movement through thought leadership, not just through political strategy.
The significance of William F. Buckley Jr. to the conservative cause transcends his immediate actions; it lies in the foundational role he played in crafting the discourse, delineating the ideological boundaries, and setting the standard for conservative intellectualism. Keeping Buckley’s influence as a keystone in the modern architecture of conservative thought is crucial. His approach to intellectual debate, his commitment to refining conservative principles, and his ability to adapt and evolve with changing times offer a blueprint for today’s conservatives to navigate the complexities of contemporary politics. His controversial moments must be understood within the historical context, reflecting his era’s challenges and his philosophical growth. By doing so, Buckley’s legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of intellectual rigor, moral clarity, and ideological coherence, ensuring that conservatism remains a dynamic, thoughtful, and influential force in American political life.