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  1. Politics
1 August 2012

Gore Vidal: his finest TV appearances

"Never miss a chance to have sex or appear on television," Vidal said. He didn't.

By George Eaton

Like most of you, I woke to the sad news that Gore Vidal has died at the age of 86. The New Statesman was fortunate enough to publish one of his final British interviews, conducted by Melvyn Bragg as part of his guest editorship of the magazine.

Among Vidal’s bon mots was his advice to “never miss a chance to have sex or appear on television“. With that in mind, here’s footage of some of his most notable TV appearances, including his famous duel with William F. Buckley Jr at the 1968 Democratic convention.

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Select and enter your email address Your weekly guide to the best writing on ideas, politics, books and culture every Saturday. The best way to sign up for The Saturday Read is via saturdayread.substack.com The New Statesman's quick and essential guide to the news and politics of the day. The best way to sign up for Morning Call is via morningcall.substack.com Our Thursday ideas newsletter, delving into philosophy, criticism, and intellectual history. The best way to sign up for The Salvo is via thesalvo.substack.com Stay up to date with NS events, subscription offers & updates. Weekly analysis of the shift to a new economy from the New Statesman's Spotlight on Policy team. The best way to sign up for The Green Transition is via spotlightonpolicy.substack.com
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