03/06/08 - Opinion From The Greenwich Time - Buckley's life had scrapes and scraps that cheered his crowd, but made others wince.

COMMENTARY

A conservative champion not made of everyman material

Of course, William F. Buckley Jr. will be most reverenced and remembered as the avatar of modern conservatism. He was its brilliant star, shining in ways once more usually associated with or claimed by liberals: intellectual champion, political seer, droll debater, prolific writer, galvanizing and talent-spotting editor, novelist of heroic dash, and witty television smart-talk host.

Buckley was not made of everyman material. His mighty word hoard and agile bon mots, his eclectic knowledge, his delight in controversy and sending up an adversary, his convictions of faith and polity, his cool confidence and poise, at sea and on land, his voice and gestures, were the assets of an idiosyncratic, purposeful and confident aristocrat....