The New York Times obit of William F. Buckley implies that his most notable characteristic was his use of big words, which they reference in the headline (that's what "sesquipedalian" means) and the lede:
William F. Buckley Jr., 82, Dies; Sesquipedalian Spark of Right
By DOUGLAS MARTINWilliam F. Buckley Jr., who marshaled polysyllabic exuberance, arched eyebrows and a refined, perspicacious mind to elevate conservatism to the center of American political discourse, died on Wednesday at his home in Stamford, Conn. He was 82.
Is that really what's most notable about him?
I think they were mostly concerned about the alliteration.
Posted by: Kevin Sullivan | February 28, 2008 at 02:37 PM