Print Issue
September 9, 1996
Cover Story
It Takes a Donkey
Also in This Issue
- Second Thoughts on Civil Society — Gertrude Himmelfarb
- The Gospel according to Tom Hayden — Vincent Carroll
- Chemical Warfare and How Not to Fight It
The Weekly Standard's inaugural issue, dated September 9, 1996, led with "It Takes a Donkey," a commentary on Democratic politics and the 1996 presidential race. The issue featured prominent conservative voices including William Kristol, Fred Barnes, David Brooks, and Tucker Carlson, establishing the magazine's intellectual foundation. Notable pieces included Gertrude Himmelfarb's examination of civil society debates, Vincent Carroll's critique of Tom Hayden's continued influence on the left, and analysis of Senate action on chemical weapons treaties.