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Sam Tanenhaus

Historian and biographer, author of "Buckley: The Life and the Revolution That Changed America" and former editor of the New York Times Book Review.

Top 10 podcasts with Sam Tanenhaus

Ranked by the Snipd community
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34 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 1h 53min

A Complicated Man: William F. Buckley, Jr. (w/ Sam Tanenhaus)

In this engaging conversation, Sam Tanenhaus, author of 'Buckley: The Life and the Revolution That Changed America,' delves into the complex legacy of William F. Buckley Jr. The discussion uncovers the challenges of chronicling Buckley's multifaceted life, from his Southern roots and CIA connections to his role in shaping post-war conservatism. Tanenhaus reveals controversial facets, like Buckley's racially charged media ties and his personal evolution from America First to Cold Warrior, offering rich insights into the man behind the legend.
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27 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 1h 13min

"Buckley" author Sam Tanenhaus on the genesis of modern conservatism and the enduring impact of a media pioneer | The Moynihan Report

Sam Tanenhaus, a historian and biographer known for his work on William F. Buckley, explores the evolution of modern conservatism. He discusses Buckley’s cultural influence beyond mere politics and the complexities in his beliefs, particularly regarding race and society. Tanenhaus highlights the theatrical nature of conservative rhetoric and its legacy, along with the paradoxes surrounding progressive ideals within a historical context. The conversation also touches on Buckley’s emotional reflections in later life and his lasting impact on political discourse.
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24 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 52min

563 | Sam Tanenhaus: William F. Buckley Jr. and the Battle for Political Ideas

Sam Tanenhaus, an author and journalist known for his biography of William F. Buckley Jr., dives deep into Buckley’s lasting impact on American conservatism. He discusses how Buckley’s innovative debates and media presence shaped political discourse in the 1960s. Tanenhaus also explores the ideological clash surrounding race in America and the evolving political landscape post-2012. The conversation emphasizes the importance of developing coherent worldviews in today's complex political climate.
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10 snips
May 23, 2025 • 56min

Sam Tanenhaus On Bill Buckley

In this enlightening discussion, Sam Tanenhaus, a biographer and historian renowned for his work on conservative thought, delves into the life of Bill Buckley. Tanenhaus uncovers how Buckley’s elite yet turbulent upbringing shaped his views and political ideologies. They explore Buckley's isolationism even post-Pearly Harbor, his conflict with Gore Vidal, and the striking parallels between Buckleyism and modern Trumpism. With captivating anecdotes about Buckley’s personality, education, and family dynamics, this conversation offers rich insights into American conservatism.
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4 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 1h 43min

Firing Line, Then and Now - Special Guests US Rep. Jamie Raskin, and Author Sam Tanenhaus

Join U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin, a constitutional scholar and leader in the impeachment inquiry, alongside author Sam Tanenhaus, who unveils the complex life of conservative icon William F. Buckley. They discuss the urgent need for bipartisanship in Congress amidst growing polarization and the delicate dance between legal responsibilities and political affiliations during impeachment. Raskin shares insights from the January 6th investigation, while Tanenhaus reflects on Buckley’s influence on modern conservatism and his legacy in shaping political discourse.
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Jun 27, 2025 • 56min

Christian faith, politics and culture

Mark Lawson, a writer and theatre critic for The Tablet, joins experts like Anna Rowlands, a Catholic social thought professor, and Chine McDonald, director of Theos, to explore how Christian faith intertwines with politics today. They discuss the resurgence of religious themes post-pandemic and how historical events like the Council of Nicaea impact modern governance. Sam Tanenhaus delves into William Buckley's influence on American conservatism, while Dafydd Mills Daniel reflects on faith's role in contemporary theatre and music.
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Jul 27, 2025 • 48min

The charming gay racist who invented modern American conservatism: Sam Tanenhaus on William F. Buckley's absurdly implausible contradictions

Sam Tanenhaus, author of "Buckley, The Life and Revolution That Changed America," dives into the complexities of William F. Buckley, the media-savvy founder of modern American conservatism. He reveals shocking truths about Buckley’s family's secret funding of segregationist newspapers, a revelation that even shocked his son. Tanenhaus explores the paradox of Buckley's charismatic personal life versus his toxic political beliefs, highlighting the contradictions that have shaped America’s conservative landscape, echoing into today’s political climate.
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Jul 16, 2025 • 2h 6min

How William Buckley shaped the American right, with Sam Tanenhaus

Sam Tanenhaus, an esteemed journalist and biographer, dives deep into the life of William F. Buckley Jr., a pivotal figure in American conservatism. Tanenhaus reveals Buckley’s complex legacy, including his early support for racial segregation. He explores Buckley’s impactful journalism and his ability to engage diverse voter groups through his 1965 mayoral campaign. The conversation also touches on the influence of Buckley's ideas on present-day political discourse and the personal anecdotes that shaped Tanenhaus's understanding of this influential yet conflicted figure.
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Jun 26, 2025 • 1h 12min

The Sorcerer's Apprentice? American Politics from Buckley to Trump (w/ 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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Jun 23, 2025 • 47min

How William F. Buckley, Jr. created modern conservatism

Sam Tannenhaus, a biographer and historian, delves into the life of William F. Buckley, Jr., a key architect of modern American conservatism. They discuss Buckley's privileged upbringing and how his father's political views influenced his ideology. The conversation reveals Buckley's complex legacy regarding race and his encounters with figures like Jesse Jackson. Tannenhaus also examines Buckley's battle against intellectual elitism and how his rhetoric contrasts with today's populist movements, particularly in relation to Donald Trump.

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