Over the course of this year, the centenary of William F. Buckley’s birth, we will republish an article by him weekly. This week’s column critiques the idea that the public’s approval for an official should be used as a means to excuse his wrongdoings.
We ought to be a little careful on the matter of the popularity ratings of President Clinton. In almost any match between the people and their intellectual leaders, it is wise to bet with the former. But the temptation to make a rule out of this preference is dangerous, and something of that order is happening when you hear it said (increasingly) that the approval ratings of Mr. Clinton are dispositive: If the people don’t care — what business do you have caring?
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