Moderation or Conservatism?
Much has been said about the line-up of “Moderate” Republicans who spoke at the RNC this year specifically: Rudy, McCain, Ahnold
(Miller doesn’t count since he’s still a Dem)
Now each of the three holds some conservative views, while holding liberal posions as well (more on social issues).
However, and here’s something I would’ve never really thought about, did any of these three really touch on the social issues during the speech? Rather what did they address?
McCain–strong defense; Ahnold–the “American Dream”, economic risk-taking, anti-communism, liberty; Rudy–strong defense, strong on crime, the WoT.
So what did all these speeches have in common?
Well, Rush Limbaugh argues that the speeches all three have given have one common trait: Unbashed Conservatism
What about this theory? Rush does make a very good point–and this sort of plays into the much hyped “big tent” theory. That the real core values of Conservatism can be shared while disagreement over other topics can still exist.
Thoughts?
I agree with Rush. I am more or less a moderate conservative or libertarian. i think that there is a big tent in the Republican Party. The main views of conservatives is strong defense, less government and self-reliance. That is what all of the speeches have been talking about. And that is why I always vote Repuiblican in the presidential elections. I might not always vote for Republ;icans locally, like Keyes, but for President I will always vote Repuiblican.
Comment by Stix — 9/2/2004 @ 1:20 pm
Stix. I agree with what you said in your comment. Had Rush not really pointed it out, I don’t think I would’ve realized the underlying theme either. I’ve more recently began to vote more Republican (This will only be my 2nd presidential election and 2nd Senate one), but I do make exceptions when it comes to local politics (for example, the Ohio GOP is a mess right now with a scandal).
Comment by jaws — 9/2/2004 @ 1:37 pm
Unity
Last night I dropped by JawsBlog to find this little gem of a radio bite from Rush Limbaugh, and how the GOP Convention, despite media portrayals that its speakers are being used as a front to show a face of moderation, is more a celebration of Conserv…
Trackback by One Fine Jay — 9/2/2004 @ 6:08 pm
[...] night I dropped by JawsBlog to find this little gem of a radio bite from Rush Limbaugh, and how the GOP Convention, despite media [...]
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