William F. Buckley - Athwart History

About this Episode

Bill Buckley nearly single-handedly initiated the modern American conservative movement. He launched the National Review in 1955 to "stand athwart history, yelling Stop, at a time when no one is inclined to do so, or to have much patience with those who so urge it." From his perch at NR, he led a multi-decade project aimed at remaking the public policy landscape. He pulled together disparate conservative strains, while pushing others - the 'kooks' - outside the tent. He played a leading role in consolidating conservatives into the Republican Party. His view of the world achieved vindication with the election of Ronald Reagan.