A Last Look

Because this column is written at the end of a year, and at the end of my three-year stint as national review’s man in Washington, it is a suitable occasion for trying to see the recent past in perspective.

The first “Capital Issues” column was written a few weeks before Mr. Nixon was inaugurated for his second term, during which, it was said, he might preside over the emergence of the Republican majority. It was written a few weeks before former President Lyndon Johnson died, a few weeks before the “peace agreement” that was to end direct American involvement in the war that had destroyed the Johnson Presidency. Nixon’s role seemed to be that of peacemaket abroad and, even more, at home.

About the Author

George F. Will

George F. Will has been a columnist, beginning with National Review, since 1973.

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Because this column is written at the end of a year, and at the end of my three-year stint as national review’s man in Washington, it is a suitable occasion for trying to see the recent past in perspective.

The first “Capital Issues” column was written a few weeks before Mr. Nixon was inaugurated for his second term, during which, it was said, he might preside over the emergence of the Republican majority. It was written a few weeks before former President Lyndon Johnson died, a few weeks before the “peace agreement” that was to end direct American involvement in the war that had destroyed the Johnson Presidency. Nixon’s role seemed to be that of peacemaket abroad and, even more, at home.