Kristol Clear #138

The thought-provoking part was provided by my colleagues and the cruisers. There was a general consensus, I believe, that the panel discussions, and the informal ones as well, were even more interesting than usual–probably because the current political moment is so interesting and unusual. So as we discussed current events from somewhat different points of view and backgrounds, I found that one’s horizon was extended, one’s perspective corrected, one’s assumptions challenged. It was a stimulating week, always pleasant, but sometimes unpredictable and, as I say, thought-provoking.

I think I learned something from all my colleagues who were aboard–from Steve Hayes, Chris Caldwell, Jonathan Last, and Mark Hemingway, from contributing editors Matt Continetti and Mary Katharine Ham who were kind enough to join us, and from our podcast host, master of ceremonies and stand-up comic (as he thinks!) Michael Graham. Special thanks also to special guests Erick Erickson and Mollie Hemingway, who made great contributions, and to our Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Michael Ramirez (who’s also our regular cartoonist, and did the terrific cover on Fidel Castro’s death), whose presentation on the art of cartooning was a highlight. But perhaps the real highlight was the impromptu conversation I was able to dragoon one of our cruisers, Ken Starr—yes, the Ken Starr—into having on stage during one of our sessions. His discussion of judicial appointments and prospects for the rule of law was fascinating. Thanks, Ken, for “volunteering!” And special thanks to Catherine Lowe for making the whole thing work. 

So it was a very good week. Helped by the fact the weather was great, the beaches nice, and lunch at Patio de Sam in San Juan (a recommendation of our Puerto Rico-savvy colleague Lee Smith) terrific. I’m told, by the way, that corporate policy permits the expensing of mojitos, which is good news. (Oops, my colleague Jim Swift isn’t certain about that. We’ll see…)

As for the on-board casino, needless to say, what happens in the casino stays in the casino. But I can report that one of our cruisers had a fantastic run at blackjack–and if we TWS staffers had to make some minor payments to the gambling gods to induce them to favor one of our guests, it was a small sacrifice.

Next up: The Weekly Standard Broadmoor summit June 15-18; and a special Windstar cruise, a private charter aboard the Star Pride, from Dublin to Lisbon September 2-9. Hold the dates. And be there if you can.

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“The Wrong Side of Goodbye”

I also used the cruise as an occasion to read the latest Michael Connelly mystery, “The Wrong Side of Goodbye.” As is usually the case with Connelly, once you begin you can’t put it down. I recommend it for the holidays. I might add that I had also read the new Jack Reacher over Thanksgiving–gripping, as always, though I thought not one of his best, for whatever that’s worth. In any case, I think I’ve hit my quota of mysteries and fun reading for a while. I’ll have to at least pretend to read something serious and weighty over the next few weeks. Does Raymond Chandler count? 

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Transition

At our staff meeting today, I announced that I’m becoming editor at large of The Weekly Standard, and that Steve Hayes and Richard Starr have agreed to take on the primary responsibilities for day-to-day management of the magazine. I’ll continue to write editorials and articles (and for that matter this newsletter), do podcasts, and go on cruises (tough work, but someone has to do it). And I’ll of course be around for counsel and assistance to all my colleagues, as needed.

Here’s the full note I sent out just a few minutes ago:

It really has been a great 21 years, and I really do think the next 21 years should be even better. Thanks for being part of the adventure. 

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Onward!

Bill Kristol