Gatekeeping function of Bill Buckley ensured alignment with conservative project.
Strategic shift towards electoral politics enhanced conservative influence in Republican Party.
Goldwater's defeat highlighted need for building political institutions and structures in conservative movement.
Deep dives
Buckley's Gatekeeping Role in Movement Conservatism
One notable aspect of Bill Buckley's role in movement conservatism involved being a gatekeeper, where he denounces certain figures or movements not aligned with the conservative project. This gatekeeping function manifested in his assignment of reviews, like the hatchet job by Whittaker Chambers against Ayn Rand, as well as his actions in removing anti-Semitic individuals like Joe Sobran from National Review. This gatekeeping approach was instrumental in maintaining the image of Buckley as a reasonable conservative in the public eye.
Movement Conservatism Transitioning to Electoral Politics
An important achievement of movement conservatism was its strategic shift towards engaging in electoral politics and influencing the Republican Party. Tannenhouse highlights how directing energies into electoral politics and taking over the Republican Party was a crucial strategic decision made by figures like Bill Buckley. This move transformed the conservative movement from protest mode to actively seeking power and influencing mainstream political institutions.
Goldwater Defeat and Conservative Organizational Growth
While Barry Goldwater's defeat in 1964 was a significant setback for the conservative movement, it highlighted the need to build political institutions and organizational structures. The aftermath of the Goldwater campaign demonstrated the resilience and persistence of conservative principles, eventually paving the way for the formation of groups like Young Americans for Freedom and enhancing conservative influence within the Republican Party.
Chambers' Cautionary Role in Movement Conservatism
Whittaker Chambers played a cautionary role in movement conservatism by advocating for a balanced approach and maneuvering within existing political structures. Chambers' warnings against self-destructive radicalism and his belief in navigating within established terms underscored the importance of pragmatism within the conservative movement. His stance as the ex-Marxist added a nuanced perspective on ideological adaptation and strategic engagement.
Buckley's Denouncements and Maintaining Conservative Image
Bill Buckley's denouncements of figures like John Birch Society or Robert Welch demonstrated his gatekeeping function within the conservative movement, positioning him as a moderate voice denouncing extreme views. While denouncing specific figures, Buckley's efforts aimed to distance from radical elements while maintaining a polished image of conservatism. This strategic denouncement and distancing served to reinforce Buckley's standing as a reasonable conservative within the movement and in broader public perception.
Sam Tanenhaus's original 2009 essay in The New Republic, the basis for the book we're discussing today: https://newrepublic.com/article/61721/conservatism-dead
Whitaker Chambers's 1957 dismantling of Ayn Rand in the pages of National Review: https://www.nationalreview.com/2005/01/big-sister-watching-you-whittaker-chambers/
And here's Buckley's 1955 mission statement for National Review: https://www.nationalreview.com/1955/11/our-mission-statement-william-f-buckley-jr/
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