In the National Interest

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The Sorcerer's Apprentice? American Politics from Buckley to Trump (w/ Sam Tanenhaus)

Jun 26, 2025

Guest

Sam Tanenhaus

Sam Tanenhaus, former editor of The New York Times Book Review and author of the upcoming biography on William F. Buckley, dives into the currents shaping American politics. He discusses how Buckley’s strategies resonate in today’s political landscape and the impact of outsider campaigns. The conversation highlights the cultural backlash seen in Trump’s rise and critiques the media's portrayal of ideologies. The dialogue also touches on voter dynamics, the challenges of truth in politics, and the evolving nature of conservative thought.

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ANECDOTE

Buckley and Modern Outsiders

William F. Buckley Jr. ran an outsider campaign for New York mayor, putting together surprising coalitions across white ethnic groups.
Alexis Ocasio-Cortez's campaign also shows outsider tactics and coalition-building in contemporary politics.

insights

INSIGHT

Evolution of Democratic Coalitions

The Democratic Party's core strength has been black voters, but in recent times, some black voters have taken conservative stances.
New York's mayoral race reveals racial and class dynamics reshaping political coalitions and backlash politics.

insights

INSIGHT

Populism and Political Authenticity

Trump's base may expect emotional authenticity more than policy consistency, reflecting a shift in voter priorities.
Both left and right populist waves reflect widespread discontent with established elites and politics.

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Navigating Political Mandates and Leadership

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The Future of Conservative Hegemony and Voter Dynamics

52:38 • 2min

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Truth and Falsehood in American Politics

54:57 • 6min

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The Evolution of Journalistic Prose and Generational Intelligence

01:01:15 • 2min

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Historical Echoes in Modern Politics

George Orwell's analysis of James Burnham's "Lenin's Heir" scrutinizes Burnham's assessment of Stalin's succession to Lenin. Orwell critiques Burnham for failing to demonstrate how Stalin's policies directly reflected Lenin's. Instead, Orwell suggests that Burnham's analysis is driven by a subjective mood and the surrounding culture of politics. He emphasizes that political analysis should focus on concrete policies rather than abstract sentiments. Orwell's critique underscores the importance of examining the practical implications of political decisions, rather than merely relying on superficial comparisons or emotional appeals.

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The best and the brightest

David Halberstam

This book by David Halberstam examines the decisions that led to the United States' involvement in the Vietnam War, particularly highlighting the roles of academics and intellectuals in President John F. Kennedy's administration. It delves into the lives and policies of key figures such as Robert McNamara, McGeorge Bundy, and Dean Rusk, and critiques the 'whiz kids' who implemented policies that often defied common sense. The book covers the period from 1960 to 1965 and beyond, providing a detailed account of the strategic blunders and moral crises that characterized the U.S. involvement in Vietnam.

Rabbit redux

John Updike

Rabbit Redux, the second novel in John Updike's Rabbit Angstrom series, captures the societal upheaval of the late 1960s through the experiences of its protagonist. Harry 'Rabbit' Angstrom finds his life destabilized by his wife's infidelity and his own entanglement with a runaway teenager and a Black radical. The novel delves into themes of cultural change, sexual liberation, and the Vietnam War's impact on American society. Updike explores Rabbit's struggle to reconcile his traditional values with the shifting moral landscape. Through Rabbit's journey, the novel presents a vivid snapshot of a nation grappling with profound transformations.

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Congressional government

A Study in American Politics

Woodrow Wilson

In this book, Woodrow Wilson examines the American federal system, with a particular emphasis on Congress as the central and predominant power. He critiques the committee system within Congress, arguing that it makes legislative decisions less accessible and accountable to the public. Wilson also discusses the evolution of party power and its impact on congressional proceedings, advocating for a more deliberative and transparent legislative process. The book contrasts congressional government with parliamentary systems and highlights the unique characteristics of the American system.

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What Leaders, Innovators, and Mavericks Do to Win at Life

Dave Asprey

Game Changers by Dave Asprey is a comprehensive guide that distills the wisdom from over 450 interviews with highly successful leaders, innovators, and mavericks. The book focuses on three main objectives: becoming smarter, faster, and happier. It offers 46 science-backed 'laws' that provide practical strategies for optimizing diet, exercise, sleep habits, and mental performance. Asprey combines insights from human biology and psychology with real-world examples to help readers upgrade their 'operating system' to better align with modern goals. The book covers a wide range of topics, including taming fear and anxiety, making better decisions, establishing high-performance habits, and practicing gratitude and mindfulness.

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Authenticity

Alice Sherwood

Authenticity: Reclaiming Reality in a Counterfeit Culture explores the increasing pursuit of authenticity in a world where forces of inauthenticity, such as scams and forgeries, are prevalent. The book uses engaging stories to highlight the challenges of distinguishing reality from deception, especially with the influence of technology. It also provides strategies for reclaiming authenticity in everyday life.

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Steve Bannon, Donald Trump, and the Storming of the Presidency

Josh Green

This book provides a detailed narrative of the 2016 U.S. presidential election, focusing on the pivotal role of Steve Bannon in Donald Trump's campaign. Based on dozens of interviews conducted over six years, Green explores the origins of the campaign in far-right politics and reality television, culminating in Trump's election night victory. The book highlights Bannon's influence on Trump's campaign, his ethno-nationalist ideology, and the broader populist insurgency that contributed to Trump's success.

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Democracy

Joan Didion

Set in Hawaii and Southeast Asia at the end of the Vietnam War, 'Democracy' follows Inez Christian Victor, the wife of Senator Harry Victor, and her complex relationship with Jack Lovett, a CIA agent and war profiteer. The novel delves into themes of American politics, public and private life, the media, and image management. It is narrated by Joan Didion, who presents herself as an acquaintance of Inez, adding a layer of personal and reflective storytelling. The book is characterized by its fragmented structure, reflecting the anxiety and sense of helplessness of the modern age, and it critiques the superficiality of liberal politics and the disillusionment of contemporary life.

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Buckley

The Life and the Revolution That Changed America

Tanenhaus

This biography by Sam Tanenhaus explores the multifaceted life of William F. Buckley Jr., from his founding of National Review to his roles as a syndicated columnist, TV debater, and bestselling novelist. It delves into his alliances with prominent figures like Joseph McCarthy and Ronald Reagan, as well as his secret exploits and later struggles within the conservative movement.

What does the life of William F. Buckley, Jr. reveal about the deeper currents shaping American politics? In this episode, Jacob Heilbrunn speaks with Sam Tanenhaus, a former editor of The New York Times Book Review and the author of the new biography “Buckley: The Life and the Revolution That Changed America” (Random House, 2025). Together, they examine how outsider campaigns, cultural backlash, and the performance of political authenticity have reshaped both the right and the left. Is Trump the culmination, or corruption, of Buckley's movement? Has the liberal establishment lost its hold not just on power, but on the language of ideas itself? And in a time of ideological confusion and institutional decay, is today's chaos a break from the past or its inevitable result?

Music by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay

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