George Will vs. the Social Cons

What’s his beef?

WILLIAM F. BUCKLEY JR., writing in 1992, called George Will “the most under-celebrated benefactor of the conservative movement in my lifetime.” I don’t believe that is the case today. Not, mind you, that Will is over-celebrated now. But the issues that separated most conservatives from Will in that era, such as taxes and gun control, no longer do, either because Will has changed his mind (as in the former case) or the public agenda changed (the latter).

About the Author

Ramesh Ponnuru

Ramesh Ponnuru is the editor of National Review, a columnist for the Washington Post, and a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.

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William F. Buckley Jr.

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What’s his beef?

WILLIAM F. BUCKLEY JR., writing in 1992, called George Will “the most under-celebrated benefactor of the conservative movement in my lifetime.” I don’t believe that is the case today. Not, mind you, that Will is over-celebrated now. But the issues that separated most conservatives from Will in that era, such as taxes and gun control, no longer do, either because Will has changed his mind (as in the former case) or the public agenda changed (the latter).