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M-moment, that point in future time when Richard Nixon throws off the camouflage and hauls up his true conservative colors, moves steadily forward along its inexorable path to infinity. Nixon’s Moment of Truth was scheduled for early 1960 when he would become an “avowed” candidate and in that capacity could speak his “real” mind. When spring turned to summer and not much had happened besides the avowal, the deadline was set ahead to the Republican convention. Then the Vice President would step forward: Since his official status as party standard – bearer would take precedence over the inhibiting responsibilities of his present-office, Nixon would at last be free to elaborate his differences with the Administration. Now those differences have begun to emerge, and they all point the wrong way. Conservatives have steeled themselves, accordingly, to yet another postponement — we will be patient through the campaign, but watch the smoke after Inauguration Day!

Many conservatives were telling themselves this last week, but very few of them believed it. Some of them might vote for Nixon as a lesser evil, but the great majority of these would now do so with their eyes open and the blinders off. That much Mr. Nixon had accomplished in the first half of his campaign.

LB

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L. Brent Bozell Jr.

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Presidential Election

M-moment, that point in future time when Richard Nixon throws off the camouflage and hauls up his true conservative colors, moves steadily forward along its inexorable path to infinity. Nixon’s Moment of Truth was scheduled for early 1960 when he would become an “avowed” candidate and in that capacity could speak his “real” mind. When spring turned to summer and not much had happened besides the avowal, the deadline was set ahead to the Republican convention. Then the Vice President would step forward: Since his official status as party standard – bearer would take precedence over the inhibiting responsibilities of his present-office, Nixon would at last be free to elaborate his differences with the Administration. Now those differences have begun to emerge, and they all point the wrong way. Conservatives have steeled themselves, accordingly, to yet another postponement — we will be patient through the campaign, but watch the smoke after Inauguration Day!

Many conservatives were telling themselves this last week, but very few of them believed it. Some of them might vote for Nixon as a lesser evil, but the great majority of these would now do so with their eyes open and the blinders off. That much Mr. Nixon had accomplished in the first half of his campaign.