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Kristol, All But Forgotten

By Joseph Lawler on 3.11.09 @ 5:37PM

So it seems that the New York Times has indeed found its conservative replacement for Bill Kristol: Ross Douthat, of the Atlantic.

This had been rumored previously, although most were skeptical because Ross is so young -- he's still in his twenties. But now it is happening.

Certain AmSpec contributors have voiced criticism of Douthat's brand of reform conservatism in the past. In specific the knock on him is that he doesn't have a sufficient appreciation for limited government.

Whether or not that's the case, I am personally glad to see Douthat end up at the Times. First, a real alternative was for Kristol to be replaced by no one. A conservative a little squishy on limited government is better than no conservative voice at all (unless you count David Brooks). Second, I suspect that Douthat is more conservative than his Atlantic record would indicate. Any good writer knows his audience, and his audience at the Atlantic was liberal. He was was accordingly willing at least to entertain liberal ideas. If that's the case, he will continue to do so at the Times.

Third, even if his conclusions do not reflect principles that conservatives in general would like to see advanced, there is no doubt that Douthat has as intellectually deep an understanding of conservative thought as anyone. At a time when conservatism is widely mocked as being headed by Limbaugh and Joe the Plumber, it is at least useful to have someone eminently fair-minded and respectable in a highly visible venue.

View all comments (6) | Leave a comment

Alan Brooks| 3.11.09 @ 5:55PM

limited government? what limited govt?
next you'll be trying to clone the woolly mammoth.

Admr. S.O.B. Buniontow VI| 3.11.09 @ 6:08PM

Dear Mr. Lawler:

A couple of notations to pass your way --

(1) "reform" conservatism is in actually apologetic conservative, just the kind of gent the NY Slimes would welcome. Note: See David Brooks

(2) Does anyone seriously take the NY Slimes editorial and commentary sections as worthy? Note: See the dwindling circulation and stepwise sell off of assets.

Alan Brooks| 3.11.09 @ 6:13PM

didn't his dad write 'Two Cheers For Capitalism'?
oh to be back in the 20th century.

thirteen28| 3.11.09 @ 6:49PM

"there is no doubt that Douthat has as intellectually deep an understanding of conservative thought as anyone. "

What?!?!???

After perusing the links included in your post, I think evidence of his depth of understanding of conservative thought is, at best, lacking (if not altogether contradicted by the content in said links).

Perhaps Ross should get out of the DC/NY corridor for a while and go live somewhere that conservative governance is more than a mere hypothetical proposition. Reading Burke, Kirk, Hayek, etc. is fine (if not necessary), but living with and among conservatives in "flyover country" can be just as, if not more instructive.

Jared Adams| 3.11.09 @ 7:18PM

I'm with Joseph here. I think this is a very good selection. Don't always agree with Ross, but he's a first-rate thinker and writer, and many of his proposals deserve a close look. Conservatives need new voices, and I think Ross will be a very good one with his new perch at the Times.