Recalling William F. Buckley, Jr.

In November 1976 to honor the Bicentennial, William F. Buckley yielded the moderator's chair on "Firing Line" to me for a public debate on the need for democracy. Televised from the rotunda of Low Memorial Library at Columbia University, I was a doctoral student and Coach/Chairman of the Columbia Debating Society.

"Bill" joined the affirmative team along with one of my students. It was a furious yet formal debate held before an audience of 1000 people. Under the domed ceiling and in the formal space, the arguments were presented with well practiced rhetoric and a slight echo. Mr. Buckley displayed his strongly held ideas, quoted the classics, wielded foot long words, flashed his sly smile and used his great sense of humor to devastating effect. It was great fun and a grand night; a memory I've always cherished.

News of his passing reminded me that although I am diametrically opposed to most of his conservative canon, the man taught me, by example,  a great deal about the need for fair, enlightened debate, the careful and strategic use of words, the techniques for marshaling arguments and evidence, the cadence and the tactical impact of a well timed Latin quotation and the necessity to respect one's opponent. Off camera, he was truly curious about people, places and ideas, enjoyed the repartee of an evening with others and was a great story teller. Being in his company felt like having a connection to another era and to the world of ideas and ideologies. 

He made an affirmative contribution to our on-going national debate in terms of content and in terms of the humanity he brought to the arena. He will be missed and remembered.