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What Would Buckley Say?

To the Editor:

I have a question for conservatives who argue that Sarah Palin is qualified to be Vice President. If he were alive today, what would William F. Buckley Jr. say about John McCain's choice for running mate?

The answer is obvious. Buckley, the founding father of the modern Conservative movement, would be shocked and angered, and "regrettable" would be the nicest word he might use.

No doubt he would argue that a good education and a thorough knowledge of history, science, geography, national and international politics, and now — most importantly — economics, are all vital for someone who might be called upon to become the President and Commander-in-Chief. Palin is wanting in all of these areas of knowledge.

And what about the label placed on McCain's opponent, Barack Obama — ''elitist?" Does anyone who is familiar with the erudite and eloquent William F. Buckley really think he would ever use the word "elitist" to describe Obama? While he would certainly disagree with some of the political positions of Barack Obama, he would never call this talented political "natural," who headed the Harvard Law Review, "elitist."

MICHAEL J. GORMAN Editor's note: The writer is a retired NYPD Lieutenant and an attorney.