Charlie Rose Science Series
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02/27/2008
William F. Buckley Jr.
An Appreciation of William F. Buckley
Keywords:
An Appreciation of William F. Buckley
William F. Buckley died on February 27, 2008. Buckley was an American author and conservative commentator. He founded the political magazine National Review in 1955, and hosted the television show Firing Line from 1966 until 1999.
William F. Buckley died on February 27, 2008. Buckley was an American author and conservative commentator. He founded the political magazine National Review in 1955, and hosted the television show Firing Line from 1966 until 1999.
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To David who wrote: "It's sad how Charlie Rose and his show is biased towards conservative opinions. Another example of how American media is run by corporations." Are you kidding me? Have you ever actually watched an episode of Charlie Rose? He has guests from both sides of the aisle on and keeps his personal politics out of it. Buckley was his friend and you could tell he was visibly upset even though Charlie Rose is hardly a conservative. Secondly, his show is on PBS! WHAT big corporation? ITS PUBLIC BROADCASTING!
Brian McCaskill, leave racism out of this. And it is time people started accusing Blacks of racism- the pilfering of civilizations, cultures, history; blackmailing everyone by crying racism etc. The world does not revolve around you, whiny, needy, helpless creatures.
As a longtime Charlie Rose fan (and an African-American), I was most disappointed in how Charlie glossed over Buckley's racism during the hour-long "appreciation" of WFB after his death. Both Garry Wills and Jeff Greenfield referred to this racism, but Charlie hastily brushed them aside and moved on... I can only assume that Charlie, who has shown an interest in African-American issues on his show a # of times over the years, felt awkward about the glaring contradiction between the idealized obituary portrait of Buckley and the decidedly mixed reality; nonetheless, Charlie should have examined this reality, as his show is supposed to be journalism, and not merely a forum for the nostalgic whitewashing of the mixed legacies of his recently departed friends. As for WFB's belated acknowledgment that Martin Luther King and the civil-right movement were good for America... sorry, but 2004 is a bit late in the game to come to that realization... I would be more impressed if he had come to this viewpoint not in 2004, when the only people to openly oppose civil rights and voting rights for African-Americans are Klansman and neo-Nazis, but in the 50's or the 60's when the stakes were high and his anti-racism could have actually helped people; instead, he used The National Review to support anti-black domestic terrorism. Finally, I'll give Buckley a LITTLE bit of credit... kudos for getting away with that ridiculous accent all those years. I mean, at least George Plimpton (who had his own over-the-top plummy accent) was a true blueblood of many generations, unlike Buckley, the son of a Texas wildcatter, who was nouveau riche in comparison.
I remember watching an ealy 1970's Firing Line where Buckley's guest was John Kenneth Galbraith (JKG)and Buckley stating to JKG and his fellow liberals that progressive taxation was just a form of stealing. JKG just ignored the baiting, but today liberals must respond. First by pointing out how the wealthy hold all of the cards in their multiple "marked" decks and all stacked in their favor. Just look at all of the tax evasion and lack of tax enforcement on the wealty. As George Bush 41 once stated, the IRS should not go after the wealthy since it was cheaper for the IRS to prosecute the middle class and poor because the wealthy could afford all of the legal fees and had the best legal advice. Not only do the wealthy get all of the tax breaks, but they have their own printing press in the FED (Funds Eternally Delivered)for bailing themselves out of imprudent "investments"! My how the CONservative movement has "progressed!
I discovered Buckley about thirty years ago, and found that while I usually disagreed with him, I admired his erudition and his civility. The granddaughter of union organizers and back-to-the-earther who opposed Vietnam (and the various debacles since) and supported McGovern, Humphrey, all the losing liberals, I realized I was one of the grown ups one day when, watching Buckley on PBS on a Sunday afternoon, I found myself thinking about something 1) I agree with that thing he's saying; and then 2) he's kinda sexy. I thought he and Gore Vidal would live forever - I see now that none of us shall. Thanks, Charlie.
Buckley was a lunatic. Please crazies, desist from praising a madman. Hopefully, the conservative deadly movement that has ruined this nation dies with him.
Dear Mr. Rose, A few days ago I read that Malcolm Muggeridge once said to Mr. Buckley, "I have met all the improtant men and women in my lifetime and on the whole I think them an awful bore". Mr. Buckley, surely is one of the exceptions. For me and so many others Mr. Buckley was an immensely interesting person on so many levels, not just the political arena. (I cite the Paris Review interview as an example.) It is difficult to judge a person whom one does not know personally, but the many tributes, anecdotes, etc. that have been written in his honor only attest to his incredible influence and impact he had, has and will have for years to come not only as a public figure but as a superior human being. Mr. David Brooks said he was shocked that Mr. Buckley expressed a desire to die in your interview with him. I, too, thought it sad and shocking, until I began rereading one of his books, "Overdrive" where he cites, "...It occurred to me that thirty years hence "the" pheasant might well be strolling by, viewed by different eyes. And perhaps halfway between now and then I will be seeing him. From a wheelchair? I hope not; though it is for most people who grow old, my father among them, and the geriatric imperative suggests it wil be so even more in the years ahead. The thought is glum, but not so much as its complement, that fifteen years hence I should magically find myself fifteen years younger. The only quality of youth I covet is their health, not their age; life is wonderful, but the thought of reliving it is altogether repelling spiritually and even biologically exhausting." This was written in 1983. The beauty of the written word is that the essence of a human being still can shine even after death, and, in Mr. Buckley's case, this is particularly true.
It's sad how Charlie Rose and his show is biased towards conservative opinions. Another example of how American media is run by corporations.
Awesome show. Really will miss this sane voice in this age of wanntabe media conservatives who shout, are vulgar, and damn uncivil.
Lovely show.
I was amazed at the one-sided tribute Charlie Rose delivered on William F. Buckley. Actually Buckley is somewhat a tragic figure as well. Supporting racism and McCarthy in the 50's. For a balanced opinion of Buckley, I would encourage views to read the article in slate magazine. This is the Buckley I also remember. A statesman who supported poor choices. WHY WE SHOULD BE (MOSTLY) GLAD THAT HE OUTLIVED HIS BRAND OF CONSERVATISM. By Timothy Noah copy the link: http://www.slate.com/id/2185301/
I had the good fortune to have grown as a child with the influence of Mr. Buckley. He always impressed me with the depth of knowledge, wisdom, and great mastery of the English Language. He was a true inspiration for many of us on the debating team to strive to do better. My father I and use to love to read his works listen to his program and discuss the thoughts and comments he brought to the table. My Dad passed away a few years ago and now with Mr. Buckleyâ??s passing it brings back many of those memories. As you said on your show Charlie time passes by so quickly. The time we spend with each other is precious and not to be wasted. There is not always a tomorrow for some. Dad was impressed with the amount of work and accomplishment Mr. Buckley was able to contribute to society and mentioned this to me many times when noticing I would spend too much time in frivolous pursuits. Thank you for your kind tribute to Mr. Buckley.
I was looking tonight for a remnant, a picture, the voice. I did not know Mr. Buckley, but admired him immensely. I was friends for an all too short time in New Haven with Fernando Valenti, who would sometimes regale me with stories of visiting Bill in Stamford (something about bullshots). I have been, and probably always will be, an ardent liberal, progressive and looking forward to paying taxes (see O. Wendell Holmes) for the rest of my life. But Mr. Buckley's appeal, as so many have said, was his civility, his intelligence and the twinkle in his eye as he just got one by you. Few in my lifetime have been able to perpetuate an idea and keep the beach ball bouncing through the crowd to the next generations. Ideas come and go in the marketplace, but I suspect we shall never see another quite like Bill Buckley. Thank you, Bill, for all of it, from a friend you never met. Thank you, Charlie, for the very lovely and moving footage.
amazing.
Charlie, As a kid, I grew up in the TriState region and picked up all the PBS Channel and all of the Buckley programs that were on WNET. I have grown as a kid and then as an adult with the greatest admiration for his intellect, erudition, and persuasive ability to approach a subject in his later years with the harmlessness of a dove and the wisdom of a serpent. I enthusiastically watched him in your last interview in December of 07 and as always sat in literal amazement, with a sense of awe as he struggled to garner air in his speech. Thank you for your respect, honor, and devotion of the hour to this gem and gift to our nation and our movement. Also, let me personally express my honor to have seen you at our campus at Regent University in VA Beach, Virginia, this fall. Your moderation among the clashing of the titan was a paramount success combined with a gentleman's regard for good dialogue and differing view points. Your appreciation and honor for William F. Buckley, Jr. is equivalent to my own estimation of you and your work over the years. I recall as a young airman coming back from North Dakota and staying in Brecksville, OH, watching you late night on the television. May our memories always embrace and cherish the personhood of Buckley and may this generation produce a few good men of his caliber.
Thank you, Charlie Rose. It's good to know that we still have you!
We loved your tribute to William Buckley. The friendship you enjoyed was obvious and the warmth of your conversations was very moving. Thank you for all of your programming and outstanding interviews. You perform a real public service. I record every one of them so I can view at a reasonable hour. Your show is 11:30p.m. here.
I loved this man and greatly appreciated Mr. Rose's tribute. I must say that I tire of ignorant people calling such as Buckley "racist". In a NY Times Magazine interview of 2004, Buckley was asked if he had ever been wrong. He explained that he regretted being on the wrong side of the segregation issue, that he had come to admire Dr. King, and that, in retrospect, the federal government should have intervened and was correct to do so. What more do people want, particularly from a man born in 1925 to a Texan father and a South Carolinian mother? Stop impugning the memory of a great man. Posting an apology for previous hateful comments would not be out of order. R.I.P. Mr. Buckley. May we all exhibit half your grace, your capacity for learning and admitting past mistakes, your serenity in the face of death, and your extraordinary capacity for friendship.
Dear Mr. Rose: It was beautiful to see the mutual admiration between two very classy men. I'm sure you were a dear friend, and only the very pathetic would imply something else. My son and I are not Conservatives, but he called me from work when learning of Mr. Buckley's passing. Mr. Buckley was too fascinating not to leave deep impressions. His interviews with you just added to his depth. Thank you for sharing your grief. I'm handling it was care. And thank you for the quality you bring to late-night viewing.
Charlie Rose is so, so correct. His reference at the end of the broadcast about going sailing. "There is no tomorrow!"
Charlie, You're absolutely the best! What a wonderful tribute to Wm. Buckley, especially with your personal comments to frame the man himself and his importance to you and to our world. Thank you, thank you. Truly, you're the best of television in every way. J.R.
Charlie, You're absolutely the best! What a wonderful tribute to Wm. Buckley, especially with your personal comments to frame the man himself and his importance to you and to our world. Thank you, thank you. Truly, you're the best of television in every way. J.R.
Charlie, You're absolutely the best! What a wonderful tribute to Wm. Buckley, especially with your personal comments to frame the man himself and his importance to you and to our world. Thank you, thank you. Truly, you're the best of television in every way. J.R.
In his appreciation, Charlie Rose speaks of his "friendship" with Buckley. Yet at the same time, he tells us that the last time he saw his "friend" was at Buckley's wife's funeral which was almost a year before Buckley died. This is typical of Rose's frequent, sycophantic claims of friendship with the great and near-great that actually appear to be more professional relationships or acquaintanceships. How could you fail to visit a real friend in declining health living less than 100 miles away for a year? Contrast the above Rose version of friendship with this example of actual, meaningful, and terribly touching friendship described by John Kenneth Galbraith's son in a little essay he wrote on Buckley's passing. I'd link to it, but I don't remember where I saw it. During the final year or so of Galbraith's life, Buckley, in severly declining health himself, took a train from Connecticut to Cambridge every month to visit his old, sick friend and then returned home the same day. Even after one visit had gone so poorly, Jamie Galbraith wrote, that Buckley told Jamie he was going to discontinue the arduous round trip train excursions, he was back the following month to console his ailing friend and did so until Galbraith passed away.
Under Bush the conservative movement has been largely bankrupted of credibility in the national discussion. Another Buckley must emerge soon to give a true conservative counterbalance to the rise of the nascent progressive movement (Obama) before it oversteps the bounds of rationality.
Thank you, Charlie. You exemplify the personal attributes most noted of Mr. Buckley in the numerous remembrances of him: charm, civility, generosity and decency -- irrespective of the differences of opinion with others. It is no wonder you and Bill were such friends; you are two of a kind. Carry on.
Thank you, Charlie, for a fine retrospective of William F. Buckley. It was a brilliant hour of clips and your final tribute to an icon of our times and to your friend was extraordinary . . . And then to let the close of the show roll without sound! Bravo to you, sir, for a sad, poignant hour of television. Mr. Buckley would have approved.
Saying good bye is such sweet sorrow. Political differences aside, The Charlie Rose hour is the later day version of William F. Buckley's "Firing Line." The contentiousness is less, but the discussions are as juicy. While politics trumps the interviews, movie and book promotions there is the grist of good conversation in The CR Hour always. I was moved to tears by your salute and farewell to a friend. We were reminded in the tribute of Buckley's charm, wit and scamp. It was the facial expressions he brought to the debate. The forehead shifting, and the widen eyes that punctuated his conversation. There was his sense of impishness. How does a brilliant conversationalist keep you involved in the debate? By making us feel we were in on the joke. His invitation for us to hang around? Because, something good was about to happen. Lastly, taking yourself to task for procrastinating the sail or the dinner really hit home. Please keep up the tradtion of inviting guests from across the political spectrum who actually have something to say and are challenged to defend it.
Thanks for a stimulating hour with your extraordinary friend. The compilation was enjoyable. I was touched by your affectionate presentation of the clips, and your heartfelt, elegant farewell.Your celebration of Buckley's magnificent life ranks in my opinion among your finest efforts.
Wm F Buckley applied his considerable rhetorical skills to vigorous support of Franco's fascism, Roman Catholic authoritarianism, Joe McCarthy's demagogic witchhunts, and American white supremacy. He wrote and worked for authoritarianism and privilege against liberty and egalitarianism, and for war against peace. His legacy is ugly enough to induce tears, but not the sentimental kind.
I don't know a lot about William Buckley, but Charlie's show honoring him said everything about the beauty of friendship. It made everything else on air look sterile and ragged in comparison. Thank you, Charlie, for being a friend to William Buckley and for sharing your friendship with us in all its strength and sadness.
First...we would appreciate if the Buckley tribute could be aired again during the day either on a weekend or weekday.My husband and I caught the second half of your afternoon tribute. My husband remembers William F. Buckley vividly, particularly since he participated in a debate held at the Garden City Hotel many years ago that was sponsored by YAF. My husband represented the NY Young Republican Club and the topic was recognition of Red China (YAF was firmly against). My husband had no idea of what to expect, or who would face him. Needless to say it was a massacre, although Buckley was gracious and a perfect gentleman. I saw Mr. Buckley in a later debate and walked out afterwards nearly convinced that he was right on some points. (By the way, what passes for debate in today's politics is a travesty). We've been active liberal Democrats for almost 40 years, yet we admired his brilliance, wit, and versatility. We disagreed with him but we respected him. Unlike the far right demagogues in politics today he was a true conservative, an honorable man, who did not seek to impose his deep religious beliefs on the rest of the nation. William F. Buckley was unique. Thank you for presenting this program.
If artists need a muse, than liberal progressives need the Buckley's. I myself being a liberal appreciate the environment (minus the little exchange after the 68 convention with Vidal...)that Buckley provided. I remember an interview when German troops spoke with Americans who were fighting in the same battles, I trust both men caught in the trenches in their ability to see actual events as they unfolded. Bill Buckley will be missed and respected by myself as one who lived in the trenches and participated in political dialogue that has shaped policies and thus our very lives every day. When I die do not let my eternity be filled with those with common values who stood on the sidelines, I'd rather be cursed with Bill, challenging my opinions with his cutting humor, sharing a trench engaged in the fight of our lives, living the best human experience possible.
Mr. Buckley has been a strong influence in my life even though I never met him. I watched Firing Line when I was a about 11. I tried to understand what was being said, but eventually had to try to pick out words. In college I was a fairly serious viewer. He was an excellent role model for all. I never knew him but will miss him. Thank you Charlie and Staff for the wonderful tribute.
Charlie, my sincere compliments to you for your dialogues with William F. Buckley, Jr. I have enjoyed those that I have watched, including the most recent and last. I began watching Firing Line in the early '80's and continued forward. In addition, I have read his sailing adventures and latest books. All were excellent. I will truly miss him. Thank you.
My regards for an excellent tribute to Mr. Buckley. He was such an erudite & scholarly man; he is & will be truly missed. Thank you for such a send off. I enjoyed it thoroughly & was moved by your benediction. He was your friend. David
Today I feel anger and disgust at your weeping tribute to William Buckley, the man whose racist words are memorialized in his National Review article, "Why the South must prevail". Ironically, today the soaring words of a young black leader, Barack Obama, echo across our country in refutation of what Buckley stood for. And, people are weeping for joy . We should not laud a man, whose invective promoting the basest of human instincts, brought out the worst in us.
....it is sad for ANY human to die...but it sure is a relief that this unpleasant man will no longer be polluting the media with his reactionary ranting. he is an "important figure" for sure....in the worst possible way.....a man who makes hatred civilized and even admirable. he is an veritable institution of right wing tripe dressed up as an intellectual. "all hail the christian white male power structure!!! long may it live! down with anything that is NOT this!" ug.
Your almost tearful tribute to William Buckley was completely incomprehensible to me. This man was so archly conservative that he lauded the witch hunts of Senator Joseph McCarthy, ridiculed the passive resistance of Martin Luther King in his search for racial equality, and supported segregation of the races. Furthermore, his vaunted intellectuality was simply a facade produced by debater tactics, such as an arched eyebrow, calculated speech pauses to emphasize a supposedly intense brain activity, and a flippancy and crafted turn of phrase aimed at winning an argument, not finding the truth. No Charlie! Bill Buckley was never deserving of your sympathetic endorsement.
Excellent job Charlie Rose. Mr. William F. Buckley Jr. will be missed. He was one of the most unique personalities that the world has seen. A very touching show. Watching those interviews through the years was great. It showed his intelligence and his keen wit. Mr. Rose has a way of bringing out the best from a mind such as Mr. Buckley. The one on one interview with no one talking over one another is just fabulous. It was so refreshing to watch two men talk and really listen and pay attention to one another. Thank you for the show Mr. Rose and thank you Mr. William F. Buckley Jr. for all the great things you brought to the average person watching you through the years. You will be missed.
It has been many years since I've been in America. I am with it every day and don't miss it so much. But this show reminded me of something perhaps uniquely American- a kind of decency and fairness, a kind of openness in mind and heart exempliefied in the friendship and in the individual lives and work of Bill Buckley and Charlie Rose. This tribute was edited with such great consideration of who Bill Buckley was, and what he really wanted to be known for and seen as. It was a true act of friendship. William F. Buckley was a one- of-a- kind American original who showed against such long odds that one person can really make a difference in the political life and history of the country. May God bless his soul as this program blesses his memory.
I stand and applaud both you and him.
Your statement made me cry.
Dear Charlie Rose, Thank you very much for this beautiful tribute to one of America's great men. I've been a fan of William F. Buckley for over 50 years, mainly because he stimulated my thinking, especially when I was in disagreement, since I'm not a conservative. However, his brilliance was overwhelmingly refreshing and his voice will be missed. My condolences go out to his son. Soon to reach my 84th Birthday, I am blessed with excellent health and am constantly writing daily, despite my never having reached major literary goals. However, having followed the literary and cultural arts paths, and making READING my major activity, I came to know the world. Through programs such as yours my evenings have been enriched, and this last goodbye to Williem F. Buckley is one that I shall treasure forever. May his soul rest in PEACE, and may the world know the true meaning of PEACE very soon, before Angels ring my chime. Warm hugs and LOVE, Patricia D'Alessandro 15300 PALM DRIVE #175 Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240 760-329-6130 ciaopat@earthlink.net
I have always admired and envied Mr. Buckley, I admired his intellect and composure in public and was envious of his opportunity to demonstrate both. No wonder he was so at peace with himself.
I did not know him personally, but William F. Buckley, Jr., was nevertheless a presence in my mental life. I remember watching "Firing Line" as a kid, with very little understanding of the content -- I must have liked it for the tone (smart, sly, mischievous). Later, I had the pleasure of reviewing one or two of the early Blackford Oakes novels for the Cleveland Plain Dealer. To this day, a favorite book of mine is "Airborne: A Sentimental Journey," where I first "met" Christopher Buckley, before he wrote his own place in the world. I cannot thank you enough, Mr. Rose, for your very moving tribute to this man, to this life well lived.
About Racing Through Paradise There may be those among us who expect a sailing adventure by William F. Buckley to mirror his proclivity for ornamented literary style. Or maybe some readers need to see his writing through the gauze of Yale. Maybe William F. Buckley should be Christopher Hitchens - as they were both conservative at one time, however Buckley followed the rumline as we say in yachting circles. He remained conservative while writing his 40,000 (plus) columns and 50 books while at the helm of National Review. What we have here is what men and women of the sea dream about; day-to-day stuff upon oceans; reflections on friends and encounters with pedestrians. A certain sophisticated comedy and reflection of the sea. What Mr. Buckley does in "Racing through Paradise" is inform us that busy people still make time for the sea. That busy intellectual people still have a "feel" for social order. That people of means share the sea with all members along the sailing continuum. That even before there was a "grid" sailors like Buckley managed to sail, and answer the mail. This book is sophisticated by its forthright simplicity - a reflection of several minds while on the Pacific. It extends our understanding that even with "position" ocean sailors are subjected to the ambivalence of government; the atmospherics of place, and the personality of encounter. For all who think "Wind" is among the best movies ever, read this book, and know that the "Cup" is not the end game after all.
Another icon of the twentieth century has passed into the beyond. Let's hope though, that death doesn't end the conversations of all those great minds that have left us. Wouldn't it be wonderful if somewhere the verbal jousts go on between William F. and Norman and somewhere in the backround Kurt is throwing jibes through a cloud of cigarette smoke at both of them. It may not be the case, unfortunately. But the thought might make the loss of such people a damn sight easier to take.
Charlie- God bless you for sharing Bill Buckley with us last night - how lucky we were to be able to revisit your wonderful memories. How lucky you were to have Bill for a friend. Thank you.
Informative, tasteful and moving. A conversation between Mr. Buckley and yourself has always been among the most compelling and thought-provoking things on television; thank you for those times, and thank you for this final look back. Bill's words on the acceptance of death were beyond profound.
Dear Charlie, I was moved to write you and express my deeply felt sympathy for you about your friend William Buckley who I admired as well. He had a sharp mind, a sparkle in his eyes and the smile of the cheshire cat. I love your show, I always watch, take care of your heart.
How very sad. Charlie, my heart feels for you. What courage you showed honoring your friend. I pray for you to forgive yourself for not accempting the boat trips. It's okay, I'm sure Bill understands. Your pain is very understandable. Be proud that you were definately a very dear friend to him. He had met so many in his life and how he felt about you was truly real, you were a great friend to him. Your show today Honored him and told me his story in short. The two of you let us into your hearts and lives for just a moment, but that moment was so real and true. Rarely do we see this part of two mens friendship so opened up in great pain. Thank you for reminding me the important things in all of our lives and those we charish and hold so dear. To see your pain brought tears to my eyes. You keep at it and make him proud as he loves you from above. Your a rare breed, a true human who we veiwers love. Thank-you for stepping out and being real with us. We all will remember this days show and learn from it. Prayers, Hugs and cheek kisses I send.
Thank you so much Charlie for bringing Mr. Buckley into to our living rooms on so many occasions over the years. Your program of appreciation brought me to tears. It was very heartwarming to see the bond you developed with him intensify through the years. I remember first seeing Mr. Buckley on Firing Line when I was in my youth. At the time, I was too young to fully appreciate all of the subtleties of the arguments or depth of the subjects being addressed but I was immediately impressed by the manner in which the discussion took place. I was so impressed with his vocabulary, the manner in which he spoke, his keen wit, sense of humor and his tremendous civility which is so lacking today. I'll always remember that devilish look on his face and the twinkle in his eyes whenever he would masterfully deliver his position. I can only imagine what it must have been like to have been fortunate enough to be in his inner circle of friends - what a treat. I'm astounded by how much he accomplished in this life. It saddens me that the universe has lost such a brilliant star but the good news is that the light from that star will continue to shine throughout the galaxy for many years to come. The world is a better place because he tread on it and made his mark. My condolences to his family and my thanks to you for sharing him with us all these years. God bless.
Dear Mr. Rose: I can't adequately express how appreciative I am for your tribute to my uncle Bill Buckley, and your final words of friendship left me weeping after a day of many phone calls and not a tear shed. Thank you. You are a treasure. Cheers, Bill Buckley
Your hour long appreciation of William F. Buckley, Jr., was the most astoundingly moving tribute to a great American icon that I've ever witnessed on television. Kudos to you and your staff on capturing not only Buckley's brilliance but yours as a devoted friend and interpreter. Your tribute deserves to be shown to all students of U.S. journalism. And, please don't flagellate yourself about missed opportunities in the last days. Those handshakes and exchanges between you and Buckley on camera said it all.
I have just viewed your commentary at the conclusion of your retrospective on William F. Buckley and I am moved to submit this commentary of my own. I have followed the "points of view" and various television appearances of Mr. Buckley since "God and Man at Yale"......I was a student at Vassar College when he published that noteworthy book (despite his wish that it could have been better!)...and he was something of a "dashing figure" to those of us who were students at that time. Perhaps we didn't agree with all he wrote in that book, but we certainly read it! I cannot tell you how moved I was with your own personal commentary at the conclusion of the program....moved both to tears and to reflection on how deeply your feelings were expressed to all of us who watched. I certainly didn't agree with all of Mr. Buckley's positions and writings through the many years; nonetheless he was a hugely persuasive and "moving" force in "our America"......and he will be sorely missed. In this era of fear-mongering and hateful "conservative" commentary, Mr. Buckley stood alone as a voice of intelligent, if controversial, reason. Your own words, spoken so eloquently and with such clarity and deep feeling, have resonated with me and doubtless with the millions of others who watched your program. Thank you. Sharon Scott Gustafson
Your tribute to your valued friend Bill Buckley left me hoping that when my time comes, I will remembered by my friends as you did with Bill. Thank you Charlie. K. Gordon Schultz Canmore, Alberta, Canada
I, too, found your hour a very special time with a remarkable person. I've been a great appreciator of William F. Buckley, Jr.'s for decades. What many of your viewers may not appreciate is his reputation in the sailing community. I race sailboats across oceans, and know that my colleagues hold Bill in very high regard. Three transatlantic crossings are impressive. I'll miss him for many reasons...
I have been watching the show since '98, and this was the best one yet. This embodies the entire idea of the show. The music not playing at the end was also brilliant. Solemnity. One for the ages, friends.
Enough tributes expressed, and I agree with them, to endure one quandary worthy of clarification. Did Buckley allude or even commit to endorsing Iraq invasion for oil. It was given short shrift. Intentionally? If so his too-conservative inclinations trumped his humanity. Endorsing murder for SUV drivers is unworthy even for the erudite. His remark contained a reference to "our way of life" in regard to Charlie's mention of oil as a reason for the war. Not impuning Charlie's sentiment, but arrogant conservatives don't get a pass even in death. They cause too much of it while they're alive. Ask Cheney, Shrub et al.
Dear Charlie, Your tribute to W.F. Buckley was most appropriate and moving. For your own comfort I am appending promises from the Scriptures which Bach, and now your friend, have realized more fully, but not yet in the manner still pending. It is a pleasure to learn from you. Regards, Ed.R. Exodus 3:14;Psalm 73; Isaiah 25:6-9; Daniel 12; John 5:24-29; 1 Thessalonians 4:13ff; Revelation 21:1-5 These are words of comfort that I hold dear to myself.
Thank you Charlie, this was indeed quite a sad day. What a way to learn that not always there is a tomorrow, at least for some and eventually for all of us. Luis Orellana@hotmail.com
To Charlie and staff, please fix the video, Charlie barely speaks a word and the video stops and picks up another word or two and so on.
Your closing comments where gracious and moving. Being in my mid 20s I have a limited knowledge of Buckley, this program has definitely opened up a new door to me. You are so right in saying that there may not be another tomorrow. Thank you so much Charlie, you are the best.
I was in tears. And it's a sadness that I cannot explain other than to state that he was a figure whom I always thought would - somehow - be in my life. Since I was a child of ten, I knew who Bill Buckley was and over the years I read about half of his books and I had a more than a pedistrian interest in what he wrote or spoke of in commentary. I think, like yourself, I had a greater appreciation of his life and the way he lived it than, say, what he accomplished for the conservative movement. No, to me he was a great life in the times and I throw him in that rare bracket of such lives as Plimpton, Thompson and Mailer. Your show was a great tribute to him and it touched this viewer.
It has all been said already, but I cannot resist the need to tell you how much I appreciated your show last night. I never missed WFB's Firing Line, since I first moved to this country in my 20's. I have always been far more liberal than conservative. But who could deny his great intellect or resist the thought-provoking discussions about important matters? His command of language -- something I value greatly -- was another huge plus that made watching Firing Line irresistible. I didn't know you were such good friends. I was very much moved by many things last night, not the least of which was your closing statement, and obviously heart-felt feeling of loss. You're right -- "there is no tomorrow". And with that in mind, I want to thank you once again for a wonderful tribute to WFB. By the way, I try never to miss your nightly program. Keep up the excellent work.
I am a liberal who was very touched by your tribute as well as your personal words about a man who was clearly very dear to you. He was also a part of history, and there is in Slate today (2/28) a memorial which places him in the history of the conservative movement which I think is worth reading. The quality of Buckley's life and the generosity of his spirit seems so lacking in the current conservative movement that it makes me appreciate him all the more. Thank you for the show.
Thanks, Charlie and team, for the wonderful evening dedicated to William Buckley. While I came to it with some concerns ala his conservative bent, you showed him in full-light and with great humanity. Your parting thoughts were awesome and left the viewers in our home in tears. We are most grateful to you.
Thanks, Charlie, for you wonderful tribute to Bill Buckley. My politics are completely different from his but I always loved listening to him from way back in the sixties on. He was provocative, sensitive, a keen observer, and someone who forced you to consider another perspective. I especially liked how your friendship grew. It was evident as the pieces progressed. And your final comments were beautiful. Your last break in your voice brought tears to my eyes. Thanks, Charlie.
Thank you for sharing another outstanding hour of television in tribute to your friend, William F. Buckley, Jr. For certain, he will miss you, Charlie, as we join with you in celebrating a life incredibly well lived by an extraordinary human being. In North Carolina, we grow really good people who value the gift of friendship; thank you for spreading the gospel!
Charlie, your heartfelt, eloquent tribute to the life and passing of William F. Buckley Jr. last night illuminated to the highest degree your shared humanity and friendship. I am sure that Mr. Buckley up there shed tears of appreciation, as did we. Thank you.
I had not watched the news yesterday but I had seen the earlier interviews, and was enjoying them so much again--then I realized what I was watching. A friend saying good bye to another friend, with class, grace, tenderness few men show on television, especially on PBS. Like others commented, I could not sleep for several hours, I knew I just happened upon one of those rare, rare moments that you just never would want to miss. Thank you, Charlie, thank you. Al Wengerd
After watching your loving tribute to William F. Buckley jr. last night, Charlie, I found myself unable to sleep for several hours - I was so deeply moved . It was so painfully clear how deep your friendship went, and how much we have all lost in the passing of this great man. Charlie, thank you so much for sharing your heart in the pulling together of these archival episodes which painted such a clear and compelling picture of Mr. Buckley that even those of us who did not know him well felt touched by his wit and intellect. Charlie, I pray that you will feel the consolation and comfort that your dear friend Mr. Buckley felt so profoundly in this life, and may you always know the enduring hope that your own faith continues to give to you. Grace and peace.
A remarkable and touching tribute. Though a liberal, I have admired and respected Mr. Buckley for forty years. Tonight, Charlie Rose reminded me of the reasons why.
your adieu to bill buckley was eloquent, moving and familiar... how many times have i put off only to lose the chance. next time, i think i will hear your true words, "there is no tomorrow." thank you. you don't disappoint. sorry for your loss.
I find this embarrassing to say but I had never learned who William Buckley was until I found out of his death earlier today. I quickly read about him and watched Charlie's interviews with him. I absolutely fell in love with his wit, vocabulary, and his great way of dazzling the reader or viewer. The world lost a truly great individual.
My condolences, Charlie.
Thank you for the beautiful tribute to William F. Buckley, you brought out a side of him, and he you, that was extraordinary to watch, I know you will miss your friend very much, and even though I didnt know Mr. Buckley, he had an impact on my life, in the extraordinary way he articulated, and his great gift as a Writer. What a friendship you two had, I just know Buckley is smiling down from you above, and will remain close to our hearts always!
if gore vidal does the eulogy,we might see lazurus II. boring episode..since we no longer waterboard,this episode might be a suitable replacement. a rehash of meaningless tripe. a composite of charlie rose fawning over the plodding responses(in the quise of deep profound thought) to an inane question(rose was always tossing powder puffs,fearfull he might get "plastered". god can't make 2+2 be 5 bill? that would be to say that the diety couldn't be the diety by the very definition of the diety. oh wait,i'm sounding like old bill(sans trademark smirk of perceived debate point). ....all over the internet there are clips of the buckley v. vidal confrontation,but if you listen to the ISSUE that vidal was addressing and the comments buckley inserts,history showed vidal was correct on the issue.buckley wasn't. most don't know that after that vicious threat by buckley(his extensive vocabulary failed him),that he demanded that he and vidal be in different venues and segments. charlie wasn't around to lob the powderpuffs! i wonder if they will have the top button on his shirt open and the narrow tie askew(bill was just to busy being intellectual to dress himself-that was part of the "image").i notice charlie is into not buttoning his sleeves. whew,i'm glad diddy isn't charlie's idol. ...always try to catch the show,except when the wasted hype of a new film is the segment. always be a fan of the show,but this "tribute" tonight was b-o-r-i-n-g as hell!
Beautiful tribute. May William F. Buckley rest in peace.
I was able to catch the last half of the airing, and am looking forward to watching it here online. Thank you Charlie Rose, for bringing us thoughtful and precious conversations with such interesting and thought-provoking guests. These broadcasts help me to sleep well at night with gentle thoughts stimulated by your probing questions. RIP, William F Buckley, thank you for bringing sound reasoning to a world full of empty noise and hateful, confused rantings.
I enjoyed your retrospective on Mr. Buckley. I used to secretly watch him due to my parents utter disliking of him. They didn't understand that though I didn't agree with everything he said, his explanations and comments were marvellous. I grieve with Charlie as he misses his friend.
CHARLIE YOUR HUMANITY'S BEEN SHOWING FREQUENTLY AND IT IS GOOD. FIRST, UNO THE BEAGLE YOU HAD TO PET; AND BUCKLEY TO SORELY PINE OVER. LOVED BUCKLEY'S ACCEPTANCE AND EVEN ANTICIPATION OF DEATH. AT 77 I TOO AM DIABETIC AND HAVE BEEN PROGNOSED WITH MORE DRAMATIC EVENTS. I FELT WHAT BUCKLEY EXPRESSED AND IT WAS GOOD TO HAVE IT REINFORCED. THANKS FOR THE SHOW!
When television is on it's best game, really wonderful material is produced. Tonight's tribute to Buckley is amazing! Civil. Compassionate. Historical. True. Funny. Tragic. Ironic. Affirming. Pick your favorite adjective. Your editors should get a week's vacation (how about a month?) for this marvelous distillation of all these interviews you've done with this man over the years. Decades ago I found I was apt to rant and rave against Bill Buckley for his conservative ideas and his troglodyte policies. Yet his language, his civility, his humor, and his humanity have always warned me about demonizing him and his fellow travelers. Tonight's compilation reminded me again why I liked him, how I was drawn into his circle of civil discourse, and what a loss his death represents to democratic conversation in his nation. Thank you Bill Buckley. RIP. And thank ~you~, Charlie Rose, and your staff for this exceptional piece of television journalism. George Peery
Dear Mr. Rose, For years, I try to watch you every night. I missed you when you were sick because you bring us important aspects of our life, as you did tonight w/the good-bye to Mr. Buckley. I think he would have liked it. Could you, although your plate is full, extend your coverage to include more of the international scene - as a European-American, I would appreciate that. Thank you, Ingrid Wild Kleckner
sorry for your loss it was our loss william f and gore vidal never reconsiled can you imagine the debates we missed by these two intellectuals you are the best mr rose. mr king asked mr stewart if he would take over for mr letterman if offered he avaded but? the light went on how/whom you?
I really enjoyed your tribute to Mr. Buckley. I was not aware of the great influence he had on our society and the modern conservative movement. He possess the ability to debate and discuss issues with a civility that is solely needed today. He was a true intellectual and will be greatly missed.
Thanks Charlie for your touching and moving tribute to Mr. Buckley. Your wonderful program and your sensibility were in full display tonight and I thank you for giving me the opportunity to get closer to the greatest minds on earth. I share your feelings of loss for Mr. Buckley and admire you for the sense of closeness and friendship that you display for your guests. Hope your program never ends!
This evening's fond look back at Bill at Charlie's table was well anthologized. Among the many ideas and stories were those unique moments of candor and personal insight that are of course, a hallmark of Charlie's work. I too watched Firing Line in my youth. I still prize my transcript of the 1989 debate: "Resolved: That the Cold War Is Not Coming to an End", featuring Perle, Gingrich, McGovern, Haig, Hart, Schroeder and others. A key quality that marks Buckley in contrast to many who fill today's airwaves is his integrity. That candor, which perhaps he brough as freely to Charlie's table as anywhere, was wonderfully refreshing to see, juxtaposed with his intellectual rigor and sharp critical assessments. To Charlie and anyone roming these rants who knew Bill, many of us mourn with you, through the thin thread of our media connections. Thank you, Charlie.
As a teen his show was a great deal of inspiration for me, and more recent appearances on Charlie Rose brought back some fond memories. Please keep his memory alive by continuing to air shows of content that beg thought well into the future. I am saddened by the passing of your friend and the passing of an era . Your comment at the end brought a tear to my eye.
Charlie, What a wonderful way to say goodbye to your friend, our friend, William F. Buckley Jr. Thank you for sharing your memories of William; and take heart, Charlie; he is in a place where he can be at peace ... at least until energized by a heavenly challenge that he can not refuse. Thank again.
Your tribute was very touching. He was an amazing man, whether you agreed with his politics or not. He loved life and lived well.
Wow. Charlie Rose toasting William Buckley. 1 white male stuffed shirt festing another. Just look at the Charlie Rose home page -- a parade of male talking heads, all but one white. Institutional racism/sexism is so entrenched that even those who cannot conceive that they are part of the problem are completely enmeshed. I tuned in for a few minutes for the first time in a year. Same old/same old. Back to Pacifica Radio, a media outlet which knows what America is made of.
Even when I was younger, there was something just mesmerizing about Charlie Rose and Will Buckley when the got together...use to watch it, play it the background during homework...will miss him for sure...
WILLIAM BUCKLEY FILLED UP MY SENSES WHEN I FIRST ARRIVED IN AMERICA, WITH FIRING LINE, JUST AS CHARLIE ROSE DOES NOW.
To the person wondering below about the time for tonight's show in San Francisco: According to the schedule for KQED, there's a 90 minute special running to 12:30AM, so Rose's show will begin 30 minutes late at 12:30AM. There are other PBS stations that air the show at different times. Channel 22, KRCB, in Rohnert Park airs it at 11pm, for example. You could check the websites of the other Bay Area stations: KCSM, KTEH, KVIE as well as the KQED digital channels depending on which channels your cable sytem carries, whether you have a digital TV, or whether you can receive any of these signals over the air.
Thanks to Rose for quickly scheduling tonight's full hour on Buckley's death. I hope that there is a roundtable of friends reminiscing about him rather than just a show of old clips. There's so much to say about the man, and I'm an old leftie. To his enormous credit, Buckley always delighted in going up against the strongest opponents he could find on Firing Line. That made it, for me, a must-watch show on Sunday nights for decades. I always thought he preferred, as people, left-leaning folks. Galbraith obviously comes to mind, but there were many others. Firing LIne contrasts so sharply with what we have now with all the ideologically driven shows and blogs where people go to reinforce their beliefs but don't want them to be challenged. I once saw Buckey hailing a cab for some people. As he said good bye to them and helped them into the taxi, his manners were exquisite. Not Emily Post manners, but behavior evidencing genuine, touching concern for others' welfare. Since then, when I've been in similar situations, I often have flashbacks to that street corner near the Flat Iron Building as I remember his solicitousness as the model for how one ought to treat others.
Oh yes, the end of an era and the loss of a truly unique genious. Didn't Rich Little imitate him? Glad to know Charlie is doing the memorium. So many could add to this guy's history. Blessings to his family as his loss is monumental, especially to those who personally knew him. I can only imagine and laugh upon guessing his commentary on this current political race. Someone needs to make a movie of his life, though he wouldn't have agreed. Come on Bill, let the world laugh and be awed by the experience of watching and listening to your brilliant repartee. Charlie, please help talk them into it. Blessings and wishes for good health.
I have loved William F. Buckley ever since my college days, a long, long time ago. He was my junior by two years. You did not have to agree with him or his politics to know and appreciate his astuteness, honesty, and vast store of knowledge. My single-gender liberal arts college helped shape me into a feminist, much more liberal than conservative, but I've often reflected that had I personally known Bill Buckley, I might have leaned a bit more to the right. I loved nonetheless his champagne brut wit. There's not another even remotely like you, Bill. Ave atque vale.
I've always been one of Mr. Buckley's greatest fans, and I certainly plan on taping any specials on him. I just hope that the memorial will be aired at midnight, as the woman I talked to at KQED GUESSED! That's right, she didn't have any information about the broadcast. Makes me sick.
Well, there goes an era. If I remember correctly, the last time he was on Charlie Rose he was feeling weary and mentioned he had no desire to hang around into a very old age. Today's conservative commentators could learn much about intelligent and witty conversation from him. Buckley was someone even liberals could enjoy in conversation and exchanges of ideas and opinions. Watching his show when I was a child actually helped improve my vocabulary! Can you imagine that happening with today's TV?