Unexpected Dialogue Between Liberal and Conservative Figures
It’s a rare occurrence when someone from the liberal elite engages in a thoughtful and civil discussion with a prominent MAGA supporter. Yet, that’s exactly what happened recently.
During an extensive interview on Monday, biographer Sam Tanenhaus spoke with Steve Bannon about various topics including politics, the history of conservatism, and the anti-communist movement that emerged in response to the Soviet Union.
Bannon acknowledged Tanenhaus’s liberal background, mentioning his residence in a stylish town in Connecticut and his role as an editor at the New York Times Review of Books. Nonetheless, Tanenhaus has an extensive understanding of American conservatism, having authored multiple books that profile key figures such as Whitaker Chambers and William F. Buckley Jr. Bannon could hardly contain his admiration for Tanenhaus’s biographies, describing them as masterpieces and discussing how his 2009 book, Death of Conservatism, shaped a distinct perspective.
BANNON: Whittaker Chambers identified Alger Hiss as a full-fledged Soviet spy within the State Department. Chambers called attention to this, insisting that Hiss was not merely a sympathizer but actively working as an agent. Yet, no one took notice.
Sam Tanenhaus: There’s also the impactful 1946 incident.
Tanenhaus published a biography in 1997 that traced Chambers’ extraordinary journey from a committed Communist to a brave defector. Chambers is well-known for exposing the horrors of communism during an era when many intellectuals were still defending Stalin’s regime, notably testifying against Alger Hiss, who was suspected of being a Soviet agent.
In June, Tanenhaus released a new book titled Buckley: The Life and Revolution That Changed America, which delves into Buckley’s ascent and significant influence on conservatism in the 20th century.
As the conversation progressed, Tanenhaus reflected on Chambers’ impressive intellect, noting his background in linguistics. It was Chambers’ ability to read Dante’s Inferno in Italian that initially drew Tanenhaus to him and his memoirs, Witness, during his youth.
“I grew up in a typical, aspirational Jewish American family,” Tanenhaus shared. “My father, a college professor and political scientist, encouraged me to read Witness when I was 14, insisting it was the best book on anti-communism by a former communist. My dad was a classic liberal,” he added.
Bannon then inquired whether Tanenhaus felt any sadness upon the publication of his book about Chambers.
“Actually, it was less than I anticipated, though I gained a lot from it,” Tanenhaus replied. “Some future friends followed me closely when that book was released. I wondered if I had the right to portray Chambers in a sympathetic light.”
He went on to assert that traditional progressives, who were anti-communist but believed in reforming capitalism within the American system, have become rare.
“We don’t have those kinds of liberals anymore,” Tanenhaus noted. This conversation highlighted how refreshing it can be to see individuals with opposing viewpoints engage in meaningful dialogue, something increasingly necessary in today’s polarized world.
