Magazines: In Defense of J. Edgar Hoover

These days, even in a magazine like Commentary, which is dedicated to intellectual surprise, it is surprising to find a kind word for J. Edgar Hoover, who has been enduring his worst press in 41 years as boss of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. But Washington Columnist Joseph Kraft rises to the defense with a thoughtfully reasoned brief. "To critics, Mr. Hoover is the advance guard of the police state," says Kraft in Commentary's February issue. "To boosters, he is the modern knight errant. For better or worse, he is made to cast a shadow larger than life."...

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