Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Candid W on WFB   [Kathryn Jean Lopez]

Q    Any thoughts on Buckley?
 
THE PRESIDENT:  I just had the — I just hung up with Christopher Buckley, the son of William F. Buckley. I expressed Laura and my sadness over the passage of this very important figure in American political thought. He was a great author, a great wit and a leader. And Chris said that his dad died at his desk. And I asked whether it had been a — I know it's a painful experience for Chris's heart, but he said that his dad died a peaceful death, and we got to thank God for that and thank God for his life.
 
Q    You once said Buckley moved conservatism into the Oval office — that he moved conservatism from the margins of American society into the Oval Office.
 
THE PRESIDENT:  No question, he was a — one of the great political thinkers. He influenced a lot of people, including me. And he was — I can remember those debates they had on TV, and he was so articulate and he captured the imagination of a lot of folks because he was — he had a great way of defining the issues. It was erudite and yet a lot of folks from different walks of life could understand it. And he's a big figure in our history, and he'll be missed.  And we ask for God's blessings on his soul. Thank you.

02/27 02:59 PMShare