A Small Memory of A Conservative Giant

Bob Schieffer Recalls An Early Encounter With William F. Buckley Jr.

(CBS)  Weekly commentary by CBS Evening News chief Washington correspondent and Face the Nation host Bob Schieffer.

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The passing last week of William F. Buckley, the founder of the modern American Conservative movement, brought many tributes. For the best, check out David Brooks of The New York Times or George Will in The Washington Post.

For me, it brought back a fond memory of the one time I met Buckley and what I learned from him that day.

We were not much alike. He was New York's Upper East Side. I am Forth Worth's lower North Side.

By college, he knew he was a conservative. I still can't figure out what I am. As I have grown older, "confused" is one word that has been suggested.

Once, long ago, we were on a seminar panel assembled by broadcasting legend Fred Friendly. I was a young reporter and he was, well, William F. Buckley.

He said something. I took immediate and sharp exception. Suddenly I realized I had picked a fight with one of America's keenest intellects - maybe the best debater in America. In a word, I was terrified. I was certain he would shred my argument to pieces, and me along with it.

But he let me down gently. He made his point but with that twinkle in the eye that was so much a part of him, he actually left the impression my point may have been worth making.

He was interested in ideas, not in tearing down those who didn't see it his way on some particular point. He delighted in taking on people his own size, but he saw no need that day to embarrass some kid who was just starting out.

I'm sure he never gave the moment another thought, but I never forgot it.

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E-mail Face the Nation.

[godseyesore-2009]

Even as a liberal, I was impressed that Buckley as a conservative voice was open to modifying the structure of his positions based on new information, rather than maintaining an idological fascade. As examples, I remember his statement of finding Eldridge Clever''s s''entrevoir the most informative of his life, and his willingness to personally try marijuana in order to speak about it knowledgeably.

[irliberal]

"Conservative". The very word is a joke, and the party of GW Bush has no relevance whatsoever to the dictionary definition of the word. I''m surprised the media still has the nerve to use it.

[perception5]

By college, he knew he was a conservative. I still can''t figure out what I am. As I have grown older, "confused" is one word that has been suggested. - BOB"

........Dear Bob, it''s pretty "clear" to most Americans that you are a "liberal" working for a very liberal political/news organization.............CBS.

CBS, it''s "well past time" to bring diversity to your staff of liberal reporters.

And we aren''t taking about next month or next year. We are talking about right now!

[cfin5]

Bob,...don''t be confused. Your just a regular American. That''s all we want and is good enough for me :)

[skeezix06]

Mr. Buckley was a wordsmith who used his vocabulary to hurt others. I don''t consider that a virtue, amusing, nor do I consider it the sign of a giant. I suspect you were just lucky that day.

[ubrew12]

There''s clever. And there''s wise. Clever talks clever. Wise acts wise.

Who should we follow?

Buckley was clever.

[jcr103]

The idiot fringe in society need someone to look up to. William F. Buckley was that man. He wrote and spoke to those who wanted to hear what he had to say, even if it never really made much sense on deeper reflection.

[cbs_oliver]

Thanks, Bob.

Sounds about right for Buckley.

I''m glad you shared it.

[rushlimpdrug]

"A Small Memory of A Conservative Giant"

The headline should have read;

"A Conservative Giant With A Small Memory"

Interesting how the rich and powerful conservative Catholic Buckley intimidated Bob for so long.

Let us all fear those that are in "power" after all this is America where the ruling class can yank the carpet from some lowly journalist.

Get a backbone before it is to late Bob.
It will make you a man.