
The Future of Liberty with Mitch Daniels Neal B. Freeman on America's Conservative Movement
May 13, 2025
Neal B. Freeman, an influential author and broadcaster, shares his transformative journey within modern American conservatism. He reflects on his early experiences at National Review with William F. Buckley, navigating the complex debates of the Iraq War. Freeman discusses ideological exclusions in the late 1950s, the tension between liberty and government intervention, and the future of public broadcasting. He emphasizes the role of faith and virtue in preserving freedom, calling on younger generations to uphold these ideals in shaping America's future.
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Buckley's Lasting Conservative Legacy
- William F. Buckley created American conservatism as a fighting faith, prioritizing political success over pure academia.
- From 1964 to 2012, every Republican presidential nominee was either a Buckley conservative or pretended to be one.
Neal's Stand Against Iraq War
- Neal opposed the Iraq War at National Review, standing alone in a board overwhelmingly supporting it.
- He publicly spoke against it, warning it was stupid, dangerous, and hubristic, but was outvoted amid strong pro-war sentiment.
Iraq War's Hubris Explained
- The Iraq War was hubristic, reflecting misplaced American military arrogance and false belief in transforming medieval societies swiftly.
- Iraq was not a unified nation but three regions held together by force, making democracy a far-fetched outcome.







