A new biography, 'Buckley: The Life and Revolution that Changed America' by Sam Tanenhaus, was published on Tuesday, delving into the life of William F. Buckley Jr., the influential conservative writer and intellectual. The book argues that Buckley, known for uniting various right-wing factions and hosting 'Firing Line,' also inadvertently paved the way for aspects of Trumpism, particularly its suspicion of intellectual elites, despite their differing styles and economic views.
The genteel, silver-tongued thinker who fathered US conservatism - and paved the way for Trump
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️A new biography, 'Buckley: The Life and Revolution that Changed America' by Sam Tanenhaus, was published on Tuesday, delving into the life of William F. Buckley Jr., the influential conservative writer and intellectual. The book argues that Buckley, known for uniting various right-wing factions and hosting 'Firing Line,' also inadvertently paved the way for aspects of Trumpism, particularly its suspicion of intellectual elites, despite their differing styles and economic views.
- 1 1937: William F. Buckley Jr.'s older siblings burn a cross in front of a Jewish resort.
- 2 1951: Buckley publishes his first book, accusing professors of indoctrinating students.
- 3 1955: Sam Tanenhaus is born; the first issue of National Review is published.
- 4 1950s: Camden, South Carolina, becomes notorious for violence; the Buckley family funds a pro-segregation paper.
- 5 1960s: Buckley's views on race begin to change.
- 6 1965: Buckley runs for mayor of New York and surprises many by endorsing affirmative action.
- 7 1968: The notorious on-air incident between Buckley and Gore Vidal occurs on 'Firing Line'.
- 8 1970: Buckley argues that the United States might have a black president within a decade.
- 9 1992: Robin Williams's genie does a Buckley impression in the movie 'Aladdin'.
- 10 1999: Buckley's PBS television show 'Firing Line' ends.
- 11 2008: William F. Buckley Jr. dies.
- 12 Tuesday (current day): 'Buckley: The Life and Revolution that Changed America' is published.
- Re-evaluation of William F. Buckley Jr.'s historical significance and influence
- Insights into the origins and evolution of American conservatism
- Understanding the historical links between past conservative movements and contemporary political trends like Trumpism
What: A new biography, 'Buckley: The Life and Revolution that Changed America,' by Sam Tanenhaus, explores the life and legacy of William F. Buckley Jr., the architect of modern American conservatism.
When: Published on Tuesday (current day of article); until 1999 ('Firing Line' show ran); 2008 (Buckley's death); 1992 (Aladdin movie released); 1951 (Buckley's first book published); 1955 (Sam Tanenhaus born, first issue of National Review published); 1937 (cross burning incident); 1950s (Camden violence); 1960s (Buckley's views on race began to change); 1965 (Buckley's New York mayoral campaign); 1970 (Buckley's comments on a black president); 1968 (Buckley-Vidal incident).
Where: United States; Boston; Harvard University; Connecticut; Europe; Texas; Camden, South Carolina; New York (city).
Why: To provide a comprehensive account of Buckley's life and his role in shaping the American conservative movement; to argue that Buckley invented 'politics as cultural warfare' and influenced elements of Trumpism, such as suspicion of intellectual elites.
How: Sam Tanenhaus spent nearly three decades researching the authorized biography, gaining unfettered access to Buckley's papers and conducting extensive interviews, resulting in a deeply researched and balanced book.