September 18, 1995

The Weekly Standard's inaugural issue, dated September 18, 1995, focused on Republican strategy in the midst of budget negotiations and the 1996 presidential race. Key pieces included Fred Barnes on GOP offensive tactics, William Kristol's examination of General Colin Powell's potential presidential ambitions as Bob Dole's candidacy appeared to weaken, and Marshall Wittmann's profile of a conservative Jewish activist's engagement with the Christian Coalition. The issue also featured commentary on Medicare reform, the Clinton administration, and the Democratic Party's struggles in its first period out of power since 1992.