Special Counsel (1968) “… a steady diet of political infighting tends to coarsen, and ultimately to cheapen, most participants. They approach politics as reasonably honorable citizens, and by imperceptible degrees it sucks them into its vortex. The plainly right...
“If Not Us, Who?”
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The Quotable Bill Rusher
from If Not Us, Who? William Rusher, National Review, and the Conservative Movement “Politicians are the grease on which society’s wheels turn. And they can’t be better, most of the time, than a sort of low competence and honor.”—from an interview for Rusher’s...
Rusher at 100: Realism for the 21st Century
(June 23, 2023—revised December 21, 2023) William Rusher, a dynamic force on the American right who passed away in 2011 after decades as comrade and mentor to many conservatives, was born a full century ago on July 19, 1923. His centenary comes at a hard time for...
Book Presentation: “If Not Us, Who?” by David B. Frisk
Click to watch the presentation of "If Not Us, Who?" by David Frisk to the Heritage Foundation in Washington DC on C-SPAN. David Frisk's book, If Not Us, Who?: William Rusher, 'National Review,' and the Conservative Movement, offers a comprehensive exploration of the...
Bill’s Biography
William Rusher was an influential political strategist, commentator, and debater at the heart of the conservative movement in the second half of the twentieth century, a movement whose ascent he documented in his 1984 book The Rise of the Right -- one of many examples...
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The Quotable Bill Rusher Part 2: From His Books
Special Counsel (1968) “… a steady diet of political infighting tends to coarsen, and ultimately to cheapen, most participants. They approach politics as reasonably honorable citizens, and by imperceptible degrees it sucks them into its vortex. The plainly right...
The Quotable Bill Rusher
from If Not Us, Who? William Rusher, National Review, and the Conservative Movement “Politicians are the grease on which society’s wheels turn. And they can’t be better, most of the time, than a sort of low competence and honor.”—from an interview for Rusher’s...
If Not Us, Who? takes you on a journey into the life of William Rusher, a key player in shaping the modern conservative movement. Known for his long stint as the publisher of National Review, Rusher wasn’t just a publisher—he was a crucial strategist and thinker in the historic rise of conservatism.
In David B. Frisk’s biography, he dives into Rusher’s extensive papers and interviews with insiders, giving us a fresh look at a career that hasn’t been thoroughly explored before. The story paints a vivid picture of the political landscape spanning over fifty years, filled with hopes, fears, and controversies.
Frisk skillfully brings out the details of Rusher’s time at National Review, revealing a mix of wit, dedication, shrewdness, and earnestness that made him a standout figure. The biography also shines a light on Rusher’s intricate relationship with the legendary Buckley, highlighting his role as a vital link between conservative thinkers and political doers.
The motto often linked to Ronald Reagan, “If not us, who? If not now, when?” perfectly sums up Rusher’s approach, echoing through every aspect of his work. Whether it was publishing National Review, advising political candidates, or participating in televised debates, Rusher was all about building a movement. His relentless efforts played a pivotal role in steering conservatism upward, from the influential Goldwater campaign to the era of Reagan.
Rusher’s career acts as a window into the conservative movement’s history, offering insights into both its triumphs and setbacks. Frisk’s comprehensive biography introduces us again to an extraordinary man of thought and action, highlighting a crucial chapter in the evolution of American conservatism. William Rusher isn’t just a publisher in this story; he’s a dynamic force whose impact echoes in the enduring legacy of the conservative movement.
