William F. Buckley Jr.: Hero or Villain?

 

William F. Buckley Jr. is arguably one of the first provocative opinion journalists that ostracized both the left and the right. Aside from his journalistic influence and provocativeness, William F. Buckley Jr. was one the most influential thought creators in the modern conservative movement with a lasting legacy still referenced by American conservatives.

Born in 1925, Buckley was the son of an oil tycoon who afforded him the preppy lifestyle of some of New England's most influential families. Accustomed to life in the 1%, Buckley travelled the world bouncing from boarding school to boarding school before joining the army in WWII and attending Yale University where he excelled to prominence as a captain of the Yale Debate Team (Brittanica).

William F. Buckey Jr., founder of the National Review

In 1955, Buckley entered into the world of journalism. Through the creation of the National Review, Buckley brought conservative perspectives to the forefront for the first time. In 1962 his political column "On the Right" was syndicated which propelled Buckley to national prominence Brittanica).

In 1965, just 3 years after rising to stardom, Buckley announced his candidacy for Mayor of New York City under the Conservative party. Buckley saw the increase in crime and the city's unwillingness to address problems such as crime and poverty as a driving factor in deciding whether or not to run. Buckley would go on to win 13% of the vote and eventually would support the Mayor-elect Republican John Lindsey (Madden, 1965, p. 1).  

William Buckley's campaign for Mayor

Buckley's Rise to fame quickly made him a target for media attacks and personal vendettas. In 1966, shortly after his campaign for Mayor, Buckley signed a tv deal for national debates with prominent liberal figures. This deal made Buckley even more of a household name and legitimized the National Review as a source of alternate, conservative perspectives (Adams, 1966, p. 67).

In 1980, after 25 years of syndication, the National Review celebrated 25 years of excellence with a star studded evening. President-elect, and conservative icon, Ronald Reagan spoke continuous praise of Buckley's performance as editor of the National Review and his steadfast support for conservatism and conservative politics. Buckley's ability to bring together all different types of conservatives has solidified his standing in the Republican Party and American politics for generations to come (Carroll, 1980, p. 28). 

Firing Line w/ William Buckley poster

William Buckley's most influential accomplishment in life was his involvement with the longest running public policy program "Firing Line with William F. Buckley Jr.." A 34 season series airing between 1966 and 1999, "Firing Line" interviewed provocative and influential figures ranging from presidents to religious leaders to anarchists and civil rights leaders.

Though it was cancelled in 1999, PBS recently renewed the series under host Margaret Hoover. Hoover, the granddaughter of former Republican president Herbert Hoover, is a former George W. Bush administration official who offers a conservative, academic perspective in contrast to her guests.

In 2008, after a long and impactful life, William F. Buckley Jr. died at the age of 82 years old. The impact and legacy of Buckley will continue to be debated for decades to come. The praise of Buckley is bipartisan and he is credited with laying the ground work for the election of some of New York's most prominent Republicans such as Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Governor George Pataki. After his passing, Mayor Michael Bloomberg- a Republican at the time who would soon become a progressive Democrat- praised the work of Buckley (Roberts, 2008).

Buckley in his office at the National Review

The press coverage of Buckley throughout his life was relatively positive. Every firebrand political leader, particularly conservative leaders, are victim to media backlash. In his 2008 obituary, Buckley was praised for his influence in politics, as well as the influence of the National Review. For generations, Buckley will influence young conservative thinkers and manipulate political leaders. Without the contributions of Buckley, journalism and media would not be a hospitable to conservative voices or thinkers (Martin, 2008).

The National Review has long been a respected source of news and information. The National Review has housed columnists such as Larry Kudlow, Ben Shapiro, George Will, and other prominent conservative figures. The Review has endorsed every Republican nominee for President since Dwight Eisenhower with the exception of President Donald Trump in 2016.

Movie Poster for Best of Enemies (linked to movie trailer)

In 2015, Buckley's legacy was sealed with the production of the movie "Best of Enemies" which highlighted the tumultuous relationship between William F. Buckley Jr. and liberal author Gore Vidal. A cinematic success, "Best of Enemies" cemented Buckley's influence on journalism, politics, and conservatism for generations to come.

The tumultuous relationship between Buckley and the press ceded upon his death. Yes, many in the modern press continue to critique Buckley's brandish conservatism, but his work is widely quoted and even praised by many in conservative politics. The personality of Buckley created a conservative celebrity influence that was mimicked by President's Ronald Reagan and Trump. To this day, neocons, paleocons, and even Trumpers look to Buckley's work for ideological guidance, thus elevating Buckley to hero status.

Work Cited:

Adams, Val. (1966, March 21). Buckley Signed for TV Debates; To Face Different Opponent Each Week on Channel 9. The New York Times. page 67. | Link

Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2021, February 23). William F. Buckley, Jr.. Encyclopedia Britannica. | Link

Carroll, Maurice. (1980, December 6). Buckley is Star As the Review Hails 25th Year: Reagan Due in City for Tongue in Cheek Explaination Magazines Mission Described. The New York Times. page 28. | Link

"The Legacy of Firing Line with William F. Buckley Jr.. The Hoover Institute. | Link

Madden, Richard. (1965, June 25). William Buckley in Race for Mayor. The New York Times. page. 1 & 19. | Link

Martin, Douglas. (2008, February 27). William F. Buckley Jr. is Dead at 82. The New York Times.

Roberts, Sam. (2008, March 1). The Mighty Political Legacy of William F. Buckley Jr. The New York Times. | Link