Sam Tanenhaus

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.

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.