By many of us, he is known as “Neal B.” And we say those words — or that name and that initial — with due respect, admiration, and fondness. I’m talking about Neal B. Freeman: Yalie, politico, writer, entrepreneur, man about town. He is an important planet in the National Review solar system. He was a right hand to WFB — the manager of WFB’s mayoral campaign, for example. And the founding producer of Firing Line. Neal has served under four U.S. presidents. A few years ago, a collection of his writings was published under the title “Skirmishes.”
Today is Neal B. Freeman Day, in a sense, because he is being honored tonight: honored by The Fund for American Studies at its 28th Annual Journalism Awards Dinner. The event is in New York. Can’t make it? You can, via Zoom: here. The program starts at 8.
I always said that one of the great trivia questions in American conservatism was, “What does ‘Q’ stand for?” The “Q” in “James Q. Wilson.” (Answer: “Quinn.”) By the way, what does the “F” in “William F. Buckley Jr.” stand for? (Answer: “Frank.”) Finally: What does the “B” in “Neal B. Freeman” stand for? You know, after all these years, I have no idea. Bartholomew?
Regardless, Neal Freeman is a scholar and a gentleman, and a great deal of fun too. He is one of the best public speakers — is there any other kind of speaker, now that I think about it? — in the business. He has received many awards, will receive another tonight, and deserves more.
Again, that Zoom link is here, and the program’s at 8.