Day By Day

Monday, September 21, 2009

Wehner On Beck

Peter Wehner looks at Glenn Beck and doesn't like what he sees. He writes:

[Beck] isn’t the face or disposition that should represent modern-day conservatism. At a time when we should aim for intellectual depth, for tough-minded and reasoned arguments, for good cheer and calm purpose, rather than erratic behavior, he is not the kind of figure conservatives should embrace or cheer on.
Read it here.

I can understand how some delicate souls could find Beck hard to take, but his voice is just as legitimate as the "tough-minded and reasoned" arguments Wehner treasures. Conservatives should never turn their backs on expressions of "populist" angst lest they find themselves alone in a small place talking only to their peers. Complex exposition and sophisticated argument has a place, to be sure -- in the seminar rooms or the little journals -- but Beck speaks to and for the American people in the millions and their voice and opinions cannot and should not be ignored.