NPod Bequeaths To JPod

Another institution; another dynasty:

"Of course Norman was involved," said a longtime contributor who agreed to speak on condition of anonymity. "Neal is brilliant but spineless. His entire role in life is to be the Podhoretz family steward. Neal defers to Norman about everything and looks to Norman for everything."

"On the one hand it's obvious, but no one saw it coming," the contributor said. "The nepotism is shocking. This is a magazine, not a little family business."

The contributor went on: "The people who have worked there a long time have been misled about the succession. These are people who are in the prime of their careers who would not have been putting in year after year as editors if they knew Norman's son was going to jump over their heads." Several Commentary editors contacted by The Observer declined to comment.