What is the future of conservatism? Writers, thinkers discuss at Commentary Magazine
Associated Press
In the wake of presidential candidate Mitt Romney's loss in November, conservatives and Republicans have been soul-searching, discussing the need to change tactics and positions on issues like illegal immigration and gay marriage.
A Commentary Magazine symposium entitled, "What is the future of conservatism in the wake of the 2012 election?" recently brought together 53 writers and thinkers to voice their opinions on the question. Political diagnoses — offered by individuals ranging from New York Times columnist David Brooks to George W. Bush's former deputy chief of staff Karl Rove — included suggestions for staying the course, shifting on social issues and defining the conservative message.
Full opinions from the symposium are available for purchase on commentarymagazine.com.
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Unless conservatism can shove religion and the tea party under the bus, it's future is on the margins.
The biggest issue is to drop the position on immigration. It makes no sense, it is hostile to good people and it is costing us lots of votes.
Probably second is to tone down the rhetoric on the finances. Almost everyone knows there must be some restraint on spending, but conservatives will always lose the debate if we are so easily painted as no taxes on millionaires. We look like we are protecting rich people instead of protecting the country with reasonable and responsible answers to real and pressing questions. You change those two issues and advertise a little bit in June - Aug and we win that election.
Right now the gut nut t-party has control it seems and is messing with anarchy if they don't get their way. They either have no real conviction of their rhetoric or they actually are preparing for a civil war over god, guns and gold.
A return to common sense would help.
republiconservatives should continue to do exactly what they have been doing.
The demographics are in their corner.
When their base realizes they will be sacrificed to fend for themselves by cuts in SS and Medicare, it will make the republicons in congress even more popular than they are now.
Perfect.
And Reagan would be considered a RINO today by the GOP.
See item #9...
Republicans should stop hunting all RINOs.
I'm the same man I was 30 years ago - albeit, older and wiser.
I'm was Center Left then, and I'm Center-left now and I voted for Reagan, twice.
I didn't leave the GOP,
The GOP left me.
The future of Conservatism?
None.