I don’t qualify myself as belonging to either the left or right side of the political spectrum; if the spectrum had a third dimension I would probably have a better time finding my alignment there. Regardless, while I didn’t subscribe or agree with Mr. Buckley’s politics, I admired his mind and the forthright intelligence he brought to televised debate.
He was a pompous git, but yes, a brilliant mind and debater.I used to really enjoy watching him tear the layers away at an issue and challenge others to clarify their point.
Courtesy of the lovely Ann Coulter…
Irritated by attorney Mark Lane’s questions, Buckley asked the judge: “Your Honor, when he asks a ludicrous question, how am I supposed to behave?”
In response to another of Lane’s questions, Buckley said: “I decline to answer that question; it’s too stupid.”
When asked if he had “referred to Jesse Jackson as an ignoramus,” Buckley said, “If I didn’t, I should have.”
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=57528
He was pithy and pretentious but, you are correct, he was brilliant.
I wish we all had the courage to be that forthright!
PopArtDiva