REVIEW BY: W.J. RAYMENT CONSERVATIVEBOOKSTORE.COM

Is there a prescription that will bring conservatism victory in the fall? Is there a set of issues conservative Republicans can put forward that will galvanize the public? Is there a way to redeem the nation via the political process? Robert D. Novak seems to think so, and he has enunciated his prescription in his new book, "Completing the Revolution."

We all like to armchair quarterback from the side lines on occasion. Perhaps this book is a little of that. Yet Mr. Novak is uniquely qualified to advise conservatives in this election year. He is, after all, America's longest-running syndicated columnist. Indeed, he has kept his eye on the ball and his finger on the political pulse of the nation since Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. As co-host of CNN's "Crossfire" he has honed his reputation as an intelligent conservative commentator.

"Completing the Revolution" begins with a brief history of that Revolution. While some cringe at the memories of failed opportunities. Mr. Novak boldly lays out the glories and mistakes of the 1994 Gingrich lead "takeover" of Congress, the subsequent budget battles (with the attendant shutdown of government) and the Impeachment of President Clinton. The narrative here is quite detached and rings with an objectivity that ordinarily would come only from the pen of an historian born a hundred years hence. Recognizing the successes and failures of the past decade are vital in mapping out success and avoiding failure in the future.

Mr. Novak recognizes that there are two forces in history. There is the movement of the mass of humanity and there is the drive of the individual will. Polls show that the mass of Americans hold conservative views. That these views have not been translated to conservative action has much to do with the inability of recent conservative leaders to use this force for action.

In creating a "Vision for Victory in 2000", Mr. Novak has carefully listed ten actions - not issues, but actions. He discusses each item in-depth. There is not space here to lay them out in toto. Many of these issues are controversial even among conservatives. Yet Mr. Novak makes a convincing case for pursuing each goal and showing how the pursuit of that goal will also help push the conservative cause toward total victory in 2000.

The message is important, but without a vehicle to deliver the message it will be still born. The party big-wigs have determined that George W. Bush is the man best suited to carry this message all the way to the White House. Mr. Novak reviews the process that brought George W. Bush to the fore and analyzes Bush's ability to achieve the highest office in the land. But can Bush then turn the message to effective action for the good of the nation? Is George W. Bush the best man to spear head the Conservative drive to power? Many think he is not even a conservative and site other men as having better credentials. Yet, George W. does have a record of "compassionate" conservatism in Texas and has shown an ability to communicate that message to groups hitherto unreached. Victory in November is vital. A loss of the White House for a third consecutive term could have repercussions in all branches of government. Most pundits believe Bush has what it takes to win. Yet at this writing the issue is undecided.

Finally, Mr. Novak seems to understand that the basic problem with many modern conservatives is their penchant for backing away from the message when crunch time comes. Because the press generally demonizes conservatives and their message many conservatives back pedal in the face of the constant criticism. He rightly points out that what conservatism needs is leaders (as well as rank and file) who are willing to stand up for conservative principles and enunciate them clearly to the public. Principles embodied in freedom and self-reliance are best for society. The collective tendencies of an overweening government will, in the end stifle innovation and productivity. The problem is not merely - how do we communicate these ideas? But how do we act on them? Mr. Novak has been around the block a few times. He has been a communicator of the conservative message for most of his life. He has lived the history of conservative successes and failures. He knows what it takes to win. He knows we must win to make this world a better place. His new book "Completing the Revolution" deserves to be read, deserves to be studied and discussed, most of all Robert Novak's "Vision for Victory" deserves to be put into action.*****

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