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...
Book Presentation: “If Not Us, Who?” by David B. Frisk
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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...
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?”
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...
David Frisk’s book, If Not Us, Who?: William Rusher, ‘National Review,’ and the Conservative Movement, offers a comprehensive exploration of the life and impact of William Rusher, the influential publisher of National Review. Frisk meticulously traces Rusher’s involvement in the conservative movement, emphasizing his pivotal role in shaping its trajectory. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of National Review’s founding, with Frisk providing insightful perspectives on Rusher’s intricate relationship with William F. Buckley, the magazine’s founder. This examination of their collaboration adds depth to our understanding of the intellectual currents that defined National Review and, by extension, the conservative movement in the United States.
Presenting his findings at The Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C., David Frisk brought the historical narrative to life, offering a captivating glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of conservative intellectual history. The Heritage Foundation audience was treated to a nuanced exploration of Rusher’s contributions and the broader historical context that shaped conservative thought. Frisk’s meticulous research not only pays homage to William Rusher but also provides readers with a profound understanding of the intricate interplay of ideas and personalities that have left an indelible mark on the conservative tradition in the United States. If Not Us, Who? emerges as a valuable resource for those seeking insights into the evolution of American conservatism and the pivotal figures who played instrumental roles in its development.
