In a captivating moment from a Republican primary discussion back in January 2016, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas humorously attempted to challenge the political pedigree of front-runner candidate Donald Trump. Cruz suggested that Trump’s Manhattan origins marked a deviation from the traditional conservative path. Trump, however, never at a loss for words, responded, ‘Conservatives definitely hail from Manhattan, including William F. Buckley.’
Trump’s reference to Buckley, an author, columnist, editor, debater, and political nominee who left us in 2008 at 82, was a strategic move indeed. Having diligently served the field of intellectual conservatism for more than 50 years, Buckley was a stalwart in Manhattan. His legacy resonated with conservatives who recognized him as the leading light of the modern conservative movement. Trump’s association with him during the debate was not without foresight.
Yet, some skeptics questioned the basis of Trump’s connection with Buckley. With his elegant demeanor, penetrating wit, and an appreciation for the finer aspects of culture, manifest in his love for classical music like Bach and a flair for quality writing, Buckley displayed an outwardly distinctive personality when compared to Trump.
However, any cursory exploration into political stances would reveal some key differences between Trump and Buckley. Trump’s affable approach toward tariffs, his defense of essential public programs, and somewhat guided global policy was, on the surface, in discordance with Buckley’s leanings; it was Buckley, after all, who appreciated free markets, questioned expansive government, and favored proactive foreign policies.
Interestingly, amid the wintery chills of 2016, National Review, the eminent political journal that Buckley proudly instigated in 1955, crafted an issue specifically in the spirit of arguing against Trump. The editors invited a variety of conservative voices to express their belief that Trump, in their eyes, represented an opportunistic political force with a disconnection from conservative ideology, who might potentially abandon the GOP’s broad consensus for a new form of independent thinking with an assertive complexion.
Ironically, the efforts to ward off Trump seemed to evaporate soon. The number of anti-Trump or so-called ‘never Trump’ conservatives diminished significantly. Today, those voices constitute a negligible fraction both within the pages of the National Review and beyond, painting an interesting picture of political discourse.
Unquestionably, Trump’s influence on the Republican Party has been transformative. From policy creation to its interpretation, Trump’s fingerprints have marked every layer of the grand old party. Moreover, his charismatic leadership has woven itself into the fabric of the robust conservative media landscape.
In retrospect, seemingly against all odds, Trump’s vision has not only survived but flourished. His unique approach to politics, leadership, and governance continue to resonate with a larger section of the society, thereby dispelling much of the skepticism that once enveloped his candidature. Despite the polarizing discourse, his growing influence on conservatism cannot be undermined.
While on the surface the connection between Buckley and Trump may seem tenuous, bordering on the paradoxical, Trump’s rise within the rank and file of the GOP, his vast sway over policy minds, and his palpable impact on the media landscape may very well align him more closely with the sustained influence and impact that Buckley once had.
Furthermore, while Buckley was indeed the champion of certain traditional conservative ideals, Trump has managed to capture the essence of all those who feel alienated and frustrated with mainstream politics. His unique blend of conservatism has allowed him to build bridges where none existed before, echoing the power Buckley had in forging new paths for the conservative movement.
Unlike typical politicians, Trump’s unfiltered bravado and acumen for voicing popular sentiment have made him an irresistible figure for many. His rise within the Republican Party’s ranks is testament to his ability to mobilize masses, a trait that signifies his immeasurable influence and an echo of Buckley’s charisma in his prime.
While some critics found it difficult to reconcile the contrasts between Buckley’s traditional conservatism and Trump’s novel approach, this evolution within the conservative sphere should not be viewed as antithetical. Instead, it is a testament to the Republican Party’s resilience and its ability to encapsulate multiple forms of conservative thought within its ambit.
Trump’s journey as a political figure, from an underdog candidate to a persona whose policies and vision have come to shape the landscape of conservatism, stands as a visible testament to his leadership. Far from being an outlier, the narrative of Trump’s rise aligns him more closely with the transformative leaders that preceded him.
In essence, the potent popularity and influence of Trump within the Republican Party and beyond are not anomalies, but rather exemplifications of the constantly evolving spirit of the conservative movement. Much like Buckley, he has now become a symbol of his version of conservatism, proving his critics wrong and winning over many skeptics within the conservative camp.
While Buckley and Trump may appear to be figures of different eras with divergent styles, their political journeys share an underlying theme – that of shaping an era in Republican politics. From this perspective, Trump’s surprising rise to prominence can indeed be seen as an embodied continuation of the path that Buckley embarked upon years ago.