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.

Sam Tanenhaus, a historian known for his profound biographies, discusses his new work on William F. Buckley Jr. with David Frum. They delve into Buckley's complex legacy, exploring how his Catholic faith influenced National Review's culture and his relationship with figures like Rush Limbaugh. Tanenhaus recounts personal anecdotes that highlight Buckley's kindness and mentorship, while also reflecting on the shifts in conservative media and electoral politics. The conversation poses the question of Buckley as a great man, revealing his emotional depth and lasting impact.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sam Tanenhaus, a biographer known for his work on William F. Buckley Jr., dives deep into Buckley's life and influence on modern conservatism. He elaborates on Buckley’s shift in political landscape from elite conservatism to the MAGA movement. Tanenhaus discusses Buckley’s complex views on race, his debates against figures like James Baldwin, and how he managed extremism within conservatism. The conversation also touches on Buckley’s legacy, including the ideological threads connecting him to contemporary politics.

Sam Tanenhaus, a historian and author known for his work on American political history, dives deep into Bill Buckley’s life and impact. He discusses the moral complexities of the Cold War through figures like Whitaker Chambers and Alger Hiss. The conversation explores Buckley's role in shaping modern conservatism, including debates over the Gulf War and the magazine National Review's early positions on Israel. Tanenhaus also highlights Buckley’s editorial inclusivity and his storytelling prowess, emphasizing how his craft influenced conservative thought.

Historian Sam Tanenhaus, former editor of the New York Times Book Review, dives deep into his recent biography of the provocative William F. Buckley. They discuss Buckley's role in shaping conservative media and how his upbringing fueled a unique counterintellectual stance. Tanenhaus explores Buckley's complex views on race, his evolution regarding civil rights, and his deliberate provocations against elite academia. This insightful conversation reveals the contradictions that define Buckley's legacy in American culture.