Sam Tanenhaus Publishes Definitive William F. Buckley Biography

William F. Buckley Jr. played a foundational role in shaping the modern American conservative movement, founding National Review in 1955 to influence opinion makers rather than the grassroots, and leading a generation of conservatives to political and cultural prominence. Buckley's approach combined highbrow intellectual conservatism with a willingness to embrace cruder, more sensational rhetoric to reach a broader audience, reflecting the complex dynamics within the right. His life and legacy have been extensively documented, notably in a biography by Sam Tanenhaus, who was granted exclusive access to Buckley's papers and interviews, offering an uncensored view of his impact. This historical context frames the current state of American conservatism under President Trump, with commentators like Matthew Continetti analyzing the ongoing MAGA revolution and its roots in Buckley’s vision. The conservative movement today continues to grapple with the tensions Buckley embodied, balancing principled ideology with political pragmatism and populist appeal. Discussions and analysis of this evolution remain central to understanding contemporary American right-wing politics.