On the Right

New York, Jan. 7—The polls now show that, with three entries to consider, the American people would at this moment choose Gerald Ford over Edward Kennedy and Henry Jackson. Concerning this and its implications, a few observations:

1. There is always a little glamor in the unknown. Of the three gentlemen, only Gerald Ford can be thought of as unknown. Senator Kennedy has working against him not only Chappaquid-dick, but that antidynasticism which is emerging in the colleges and universities, as the scholars rewrite history to the disadvantage of his older brother. Scoop Jackson has working against him a damp-fused political personality, the resolute ill will of the Democratic left, and—it might at this point be added— the fear of those who believe that the United States’ attachment to Israel has got to be rethought in the light of the Mideast crisis.

About the Author

William F. Buckley Jr.

William F. Buckley Jr. founded National Review magazine in 1955.

Featured Tags

New York, Jan. 7—The polls now show that, with three entries to consider, the American people would at this moment choose Gerald Ford over Edward Kennedy and Henry Jackson. Concerning this and its implications, a few observations:

1. There is always a little glamor in the unknown. Of the three gentlemen, only Gerald Ford can be thought of as unknown. Senator Kennedy has working against him not only Chappaquid-dick, but that antidynasticism which is emerging in the colleges and universities, as the scholars rewrite history to the disadvantage of his older brother. Scoop Jackson has working against him a damp-fused political personality, the resolute ill will of the Democratic left, and—it might at this point be added— the fear of those who believe that the United States’ attachment to Israel has got to be rethought in the light of the Mideast crisis.