National Review editor speaks on life, work with predecessor Buckley

Journalist and historian Richard Brookhiser gave a lecture promoting his new book entitled "Right Time, Right Place: Coming of Age with William F. Buckley Jr. and the Conservative Movement" Tuesday night in Phillips Auditorium.
He focused on Buckley's two tasks: to show that liberals weren't as cool or as smart as they said they were and to prove that conservatives were.
Brookhiser's intimate knowledge of Buckley's influence on journalism and conservatism stems from 39 years of working under Buckley at the National Review. He said he considered the book part biography, part history and part memoir of his time with Buckley.
Brookhiser had an early start to his career at the National Review after having his first article, which ran as the cover story, published a few days after turning 15. His article, "The Story of the Posting of the Thesis," was published in 1970 and reflected on a pamphlet he posted at his high school protesting anti-war leaflets handed out before school his freshman year. He signed his pamphlet Martin Luther II.
Buckley once named Brookhiser as his successor to lead the National Review, but later changed his mind, saying Brookhiser, "didn't have enough executive flair."
Despite his criticisms, Buckley liked to encourage young authors to continue writing, inviting them to dinners with Henry Kissinger and letters of encouragement.
"I think he started off young himself and it was a way for him to relive his own experience and success," Brookhiser said.
Visitor Charles Blood read Brookhiser's first article when it printed in the National Review and was impressed that a 14-year-old could write so well. Blood was also an avid fan of Buckley's television show "Firing Line."
"It was just fun to watch Mr. Buckley's brand of conservatism because it was smart and funny," Blood said.
Blood recalled when Buckley ran for mayor of New York City, saying he laughed when Buckley answered the question: "What would you do if you won the election?" Buckley said, "Demand a recount."
Freshman Joseph Baertschi has read many of Brookhiser's works, including "Founding Father: Rediscovering George Washington" and "George Washington on Leadership." He said he found them entertaining and informative reads. He stood in line to get Brookhiser's latest book on Buckley signed.
"I always viewed Buckley as the greatest conservative mind," Baertschi said.
Brookhiser has also been giving a seminar on colonial history and journalism for the past two weeks as the Eugene C. Pulliam Distinguished Visiting Fellow in Journalism.
Brookhiser said his sessions covered his career as a journalist and historian covering the founding fathers and reflecting on them through different media, such as articles, books and documentaries.
"You're trying to describe people, recount events and explain processes," Brookhiser said.
Sophomore Kate Olson bought "Right Time Right Place" for her father after listening to Brookhiser speak. She said she loved it. "I really liked to learn about Buckley from such a close perspective," Olson said. "I thought Mr. Brookhiser did a really good job."