As conservative as I thought I was, I was still a leftist until I read "Death of the West" by Buchanan, who is a true conservative.
I stumbled across it in my university library (I know; I can't believe they haven't burned it yet either!) and the title caught my attention.
I too thought Buchanan was a raving nutjob before I read his book.
It turned out to be the single most influential book I have ever read in my life, at least on the topics of politics and social issues, and I do NOT say that lightly. I mean, it completely changed my way of thinking and looking at the world, specifically in regards to the left, where they came from, and what their mission truly is.
If you would actually read one of his books, particularly this one, you will see what an incredibly intelligent and learned man he is. I came away from the book with nothing but respect and admiration for the man. I also bought my own copy.
He documents and backs up his statements in his books with more hard facts than a PHd thesis.
If you are going to take on Buchanan, you had better be:
1) INCREDIBLY intelligent.
2) INCREDIBLY well-researched.
Even then, you do not stand much of a chance.
To dismiss him offhand as an "idiot," "moron" or whatever shows that you know absolutely nothing whatsoever about this man.
I just wish he could get elected president.
All that being said, I do not agree with him on only one issue that I can think of: he is a bit overly-isolationist. Other than that, I'm with him all the way.