The nub:
National Review editor Rich Lowry, a Bill Buckley protege, told readers in a posting that the younger Buckley had been writing the column for several months on a trial basis, although Buckley believed it was permanent… Buckley, who said his proffered resignation was "briskly" accepted by Lowry on Saturday, declined to criticize the magazine.
Probably a resignation more than eagerly accepted in an institution where Buckley no longer felt comfortable. National Review is certainly not the place it once was.