The New York Times is unpredictable

The New York Times usually balances itself so that it's never too simple nor too complex . The following sentence doesn't show up often, but today it was directly under the lead picture of William F. Buckley on their main page.

Mr. Buckley marshaled polysyllabic exuberance and a refined, perspicacious mind to elevate conservatism to the center of American political discourse.

Come on! What is this nonsense about? Let's break it down.

Polysyllabic: Many... syllables?
Perspicacious: You can only understand this because it is complemented by the word refined. I had to look it up, and it means "insightful and wise".

Like most of us know, using bigger words doesn't cause you too appear any smarter. Here's to you, New York Times, and your unpredictable and confusing ways.