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| | {{See also|movement conservative}} | | {{See also|movement conservative}} |
| | {{See also|Greatest Conservative Sports Stars}} | | {{See also|Greatest Conservative Sports Stars}} |
| − | A '''conservative''' promotes [[moral]] and [[economic]] values beneficial to all. A desire to help others voluntarily, without compulsion, is a goal: "political conservatives are significantly more [[charity|charitable]] than [[liberals]]." <ref>https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0049089X21000752</ref> A conservative is often willing to learn and advocate the insights of the [[Bible]], and favors conserving value by not giving wasteful handouts to those who do not need them. Conservatives are innovative, such as [[Romanticism]] and [[supply-side economics]]. '''''Conservative reasoning and values help overcome personal [[addiction]]s - for yourself, your family, your friends, and your neighbors'''''. | + | A '''conservative''' promotes [[moral]] and [[economic]] values beneficial to all. A desire to help others voluntarily, without compulsion, is a goal: "political conservatives are significantly more [[charity|charitable]] than [[liberals]]."<ref>https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0049089X21000752</ref> A conservative is often willing to learn and advocate the insights of the [[Bible]], and favors conserving value by not giving wasteful handouts to those who do not need them. Conservatives are innovative, such as [[Romanticism]] and [[supply-side economics]]. '''''Conservative reasoning and values help overcome personal [[addiction]]s - for yourself, your family, your friends, and your neighbors'''''. |
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| − | A conservative typically adheres to principles of personal [[responsibility]], moral values, and [[limited government]], agreeing with [[George Washington]]'s [[Farewell Address]] that "[[religion]] and [[morality]] are indispensable supports" to political prosperity.<ref>[http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/infousa/facts/democrac/49.htm United States Department of State] George Washington, farewell address, 1796</ref> <ref>[[Merriam-Webster]]'s Online Dictionary has the following definition of conservative: "tending or disposed to maintain existing views, conditions, or institutions: TRADITIONAL"[http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/conservative] Therefore, a conservative Christian would tend to adhere to the morally sound doctrines of the early Christianity and [[Judeo-Christian]] values.</ref> '''''Conservatives adopt principles that help themselves and others in healthy ways, including self-improvement'''''. | + | A conservative typically adheres to principles of personal [[responsibility]], moral values, and [[limited government]], agreeing with [[George Washington]]'s [[Farewell Address]] that "[[religion]] and [[morality]] are indispensable supports" to political prosperity.<ref>[http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/infousa/facts/democrac/49.htm United States Department of State] George Washington, farewell address, 1796</ref><ref>[[Merriam-Webster]]'s Online Dictionary has the following definition of conservative: "tending or disposed to maintain existing views, conditions, or institutions: TRADITIONAL"[http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/conservative] Therefore, a conservative Christian would tend to adhere to the morally sound doctrines of the early Christianity and [[Judeo-Christian]] values.</ref> '''''Conservatives adopt principles that help themselves and others in healthy ways, including self-improvement'''''. |
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| | [[Conservative populism]] and [[Religious conservatism and politics|religious conservatism]] promote [[social conservatism]]. '''''Conservatives reject [[political correctness]], [[liberal logic]], and [[liberal denial]]'''''. | | [[Conservative populism]] and [[Religious conservatism and politics|religious conservatism]] promote [[social conservatism]]. '''''Conservatives reject [[political correctness]], [[liberal logic]], and [[liberal denial]]'''''. |
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| − | [[Viktor Orban]], [[Hungary]]'s prime minister, put it this way: "The main division line is not according to ideologies, it’s deeper. It’s has an anthropological character. So on one side, in [[Europe]] and probably in [the [[U.S.]]] but in Europe definitely, there are groups of people who think that the most important thing in the world is their ego, themselves, me. … The other part of the society think that that’s not true. Because there are certain things that are more important in society than me, than my ego: family, nation, [[God]]." <ref>https://twitter.com/TuckerCarlson/status/1696643892253466712</ref> | + | [[Viktor Orban]], [[Hungary]]'s prime minister, put it this way: "The main division line is not according to ideologies, it’s deeper. It’s has an anthropological character. So on one side, in [[Europe]] and probably in [the [[U.S.]]] but in Europe definitely, there are groups of people who think that the most important thing in the world is their ego, themselves, me. … The other part of the society think that that’s not true. Because there are certain things that are more important in society than me, than my ego: family, nation, [[God]]."<ref>https://twitter.com/TuckerCarlson/status/1696643892253466712</ref> |
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| − | [[Phil Crane]], the leading conservative congressman in the [[House]] from 1969 to 2005, urged people to make the world a better place than where they found it, and quoted frequently from the [[Bible]] in pursuit of that goal .<ref>http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-phil-crane-obituary-20141109-story.html</ref> | + | [[Phil Crane]], the leading conservative congressman in the [[House]] from 1969 to 2005, urged people to make the world a better place than where they found it, and quoted frequently from the [[Bible]] in pursuit of that goal.<ref>http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-phil-crane-obituary-20141109-story.html</ref> |
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| − | Former President [[Ronald Reagan]] said, "The basis of conservatism is a desire for less government interference or less centralized authority or more individual freedom." <ref>http://www.reason.com/news/show/29318.html</ref> | + | Former President [[Ronald Reagan]] said, "The basis of conservatism is a desire for less government interference or less centralized authority or more individual freedom."<ref>http://www.reason.com/news/show/29318.html</ref> |
| | [[File:460px-Calvin Coolidge photo portrait head and shoulders.jpg|200px|thumb|[[Calvin Coolidge]], the 30th President of the United States, was a conservative who said, "Don't expect to build up the weak by pulling down the strong."]] | | [[File:460px-Calvin Coolidge photo portrait head and shoulders.jpg|200px|thumb|[[Calvin Coolidge]], the 30th President of the United States, was a conservative who said, "Don't expect to build up the weak by pulling down the strong."]] |
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| | ===Hall of Fame=== | | ===Hall of Fame=== |
| − | Conservative scholar Clinton Rossiter <ref>Rossiter, "The Giants of American Conservatism," ''American Heritage'' 1955 6(6): 56-59, 94-96, online in [[EBSCO]]</ref> names [[Alexander Hamilton]], [[John Adams]], [[John Marshall]], [[Daniel Webster]], [[John C. Calhoun]], [[Elihu Root]], and [[Theodore Roosevelt]] to the "Conservative's Hall of Fame," with John Adams as the greatest of American conservatives—a dubious choice since President Adams was an ardent opponent of [[free speech]] to criticize government. | + | Conservative scholar Clinton Rossiter<ref>Rossiter, "The Giants of American Conservatism," ''American Heritage'' 1955 6(6): 56-59, 94-96, online in [[EBSCO]]</ref> names [[Alexander Hamilton]], [[John Adams]], [[John Marshall]], [[Daniel Webster]], [[John C. Calhoun]], [[Elihu Root]], and [[Theodore Roosevelt]] to the "Conservative's Hall of Fame," with John Adams as the greatest of American conservatives—a dubious choice since President Adams was an ardent opponent of [[free speech]] to criticize government. |
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| | ==U.S. voters== | | ==U.S. voters== |
| − | In America, most conservatives support the [[Republican Party]], but not exclusively so. In the 2008 election, 35% of the voters identified themselves as conservatives. Of them, 78% voted for [[John McCain]] and 20% for [[Barack Hussein Obama]], with the 20% accounting for Obama's margin of victory. Only 22% of the voters were liberal; they favored Obama 89%-10%. In the middle were 44% who called themselves moderates. They split for Obama by 60%-39%. (Minor candidates won 2% of the vote.) <ref>See [https://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/results/polls/#USP00p1 Presidential 2008 Exit Poll]</ref> | + | In America, most conservatives support the [[Republican Party]], but not exclusively so. In the 2008 election, 35% of the voters identified themselves as conservatives. Of them, 78% voted for [[John McCain]] and 20% for [[Barack Hussein Obama]], with the 20% accounting for Obama's margin of victory. Only 22% of the voters were liberal; they favored Obama 89%-10%. In the middle were 44% who called themselves moderates. They split for Obama by 60%-39%. (Minor candidates won 2% of the vote.)<ref>See [https://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/results/polls/#USP00p1 Presidential 2008 Exit Poll]</ref> |
| | [[File:Russell Kirk.jpg|thumbnail|300px|[[Russell Kirk]] was an American political theorist, conservative intellectual, historian of ideas, social critic, and man of letters, who is best known for his role in the American conservative movement. ]] | | [[File:Russell Kirk.jpg|thumbnail|300px|[[Russell Kirk]] was an American political theorist, conservative intellectual, historian of ideas, social critic, and man of letters, who is best known for his role in the American conservative movement. ]] |
| − | Conservatives generally understand liberals better than liberals understand conservatives .<ref>[https://theindependentwhig.com/haidt-passages/haidt/conservatives-understand-liberals-better-than-liberals-understand-conservatives/ Haidt: Conservatives Understand Liberals Better Than Liberals Understand Conservatives]. ''The Independent Whig''. Retrieved November 13, 2019.</ref> | + | Conservatives generally understand liberals better than liberals understand conservatives.<ref>[https://theindependentwhig.com/haidt-passages/haidt/conservatives-understand-liberals-better-than-liberals-understand-conservatives/ Haidt: Conservatives Understand Liberals Better Than Liberals Understand Conservatives]. ''The Independent Whig''. Retrieved November 13, 2019.</ref> |
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| | ===Religious differences between political conservatives and political liberals=== | | ===Religious differences between political conservatives and political liberals=== |
| − | The Barna poll conducted in November 2008 shows significant differences between the 32% of Americans who called themselves “mostly conservative” on social and political matters and the 17% who called themselves “mostly liberal” on social and political matters. The others—50%—were moderates with positions somewhere in between .<ref>See [http://www.barna.org/barna-update/article/13-culture/258-survey-shows-how-liberals-and-conservatives-differ-on-matters-of-faith on line results]</ref> | + | The Barna poll conducted in November 2008 shows significant differences between the 32% of Americans who called themselves “mostly conservative” on social and political matters and the 17% who called themselves “mostly liberal” on social and political matters. The others—50%—were moderates with positions somewhere in between.<ref>See [http://www.barna.org/barna-update/article/13-culture/258-survey-shows-how-liberals-and-conservatives-differ-on-matters-of-faith on line results]</ref> |
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| | Some findings: | | Some findings: |
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| | ''For further details on the two related philosophies, see [[Fiscal conservatism]] and [[Social conservatism]]'' | | ''For further details on the two related philosophies, see [[Fiscal conservatism]] and [[Social conservatism]]'' |
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| − | Recently, a division has been created between fiscal conservatism and social conservatism. Fiscal conservatism centers around a low and [[Balanced budget|balanced]] government [[budget]], and generally is opposed to programs such as [[Social Security]] and [[Medicare]]. Its primary goal is to reduce government spending significantly. Social Conservatism, on the other hand, focuses on the moral issues of conservatism. A social conservative will oppose [[same-sex marriage]], [[abortion]], and the teaching of [[evolution]] in schools. The majority of conservatives (including most of the [[Republican Party]]) fall into both categories; however, some fall into one or the other, but not both. Notably, [[Libertarians]] are strong fiscal conservatives but are not socially conservative. For instance, the [[Libertarian Party]] Platform <ref>[http://www.lp.org/platform]</ref> expresses support for the fiscally conservative principles of ending publicly funded [[welfare]] and [[healthcare]] programs as well as reducing government spending overall significantly. However, it also expresses support for [[same-sex marriage]] (with some libertarians leaning towards the ultimate goal of total [[marriage privatization]]) as well as maintaining the legal status of abortion. | + | Recently, a division has been created between fiscal conservatism and social conservatism. Fiscal conservatism centers around a low and [[Balanced budget|balanced]] government [[budget]], and generally is opposed to programs such as [[Social Security]] and [[Medicare]]. Its primary goal is to reduce government spending significantly. Social Conservatism, on the other hand, focuses on the moral issues of conservatism. A social conservative will oppose [[same-sex marriage]], [[abortion]], and the teaching of [[evolution]] in schools. The majority of conservatives (including most of the [[Republican Party]]) fall into both categories; however, some fall into one or the other, but not both. Notably, [[Libertarians]] are strong fiscal conservatives but are not socially conservative. For instance, the [[Libertarian Party]] Platform<ref>[http://www.lp.org/platform]</ref> expresses support for the fiscally conservative principles of ending publicly funded [[welfare]] and [[healthcare]] programs as well as reducing government spending overall significantly. However, it also expresses support for [[same-sex marriage]] (with some libertarians leaning towards the ultimate goal of total [[marriage privatization]]) as well as maintaining the legal status of abortion. |
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| | Some Republicans and [[Democrat Party|Democrats]] also fit one category but not the other. Former [[New Mexico]] governor [[Gary Johnson]], who is seeking the Republican presidential nomination in 2012, was deemed "the most fiscally conservative governor" while he was in office (and probably earned that honor given all the spending cuts he made) but at the same time, he supports [[marriage privatization]] and [[abortion]] (though he believes ''[[Roe v. Wade]]'' should be overturned on Constitutional grounds). Also, several Democrats have expressed opposition to same-sex marriage and/or abortion, but still support liberal fiscal programs such as Social Security. They would be the opposite of Johnson - socially conservative but fiscally liberal. | | Some Republicans and [[Democrat Party|Democrats]] also fit one category but not the other. Former [[New Mexico]] governor [[Gary Johnson]], who is seeking the Republican presidential nomination in 2012, was deemed "the most fiscally conservative governor" while he was in office (and probably earned that honor given all the spending cuts he made) but at the same time, he supports [[marriage privatization]] and [[abortion]] (though he believes ''[[Roe v. Wade]]'' should be overturned on Constitutional grounds). Also, several Democrats have expressed opposition to same-sex marriage and/or abortion, but still support liberal fiscal programs such as Social Security. They would be the opposite of Johnson - socially conservative but fiscally liberal. |
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| | ===Ante-Bellum: Calhoun and Webster=== | | ===Ante-Bellum: Calhoun and Webster=== |
| − | During the [[Second Party System]] (1830–54), the [[Whig Party]] attracted most conservatives, such as [[Daniel Webster]] of New England. [[Daniel Webster]] and other leaders of the [[Whig Party]] called it the conservative party in the late 1830s .<ref>The word was originally used in the [[French Revolution]]. The British used it after 1839 to describe a major party. The first American usage is by Whigs who called themselves "Conservatives" in the late 1830s. Hans Sperber and Travis Trittschuh, ''American Political Terms: An Historical Dictionary'' (1962) 94-97.</ref> [[John C. Calhoun]], a Democrat, articulated a sophisticated conservatism in his writings. [[Richard Hofstadter]] (1948) called him "The [[Karl Marx|Marx]] of the Master Class." Calhoun argued that a conservative minority should be able to limit the power of a "majority dictatorship" because tradition represents the wisdom of past generations. (This argument echoes one made by [[Edmund Burke]], the founder of British conservatism, in ''Reflections on the Revolution in France'' (1790)). Calhoun is considered the father of the idea of minority rights, a position adopted by liberals in the 1960s in dealing with [[Civil Rights]]. | + | During the [[Second Party System]] (1830–54), the [[Whig Party]] attracted most conservatives, such as [[Daniel Webster]] of New England. [[Daniel Webster]] and other leaders of the [[Whig Party]] called it the conservative party in the late 1830s.<ref>The word was originally used in the [[French Revolution]]. The British used it after 1839 to describe a major party. The first American usage is by Whigs who called themselves "Conservatives" in the late 1830s. Hans Sperber and Travis Trittschuh, ''American Political Terms: An Historical Dictionary'' (1962) 94-97.</ref> [[John C. Calhoun]], a Democrat, articulated a sophisticated conservatism in his writings. [[Richard Hofstadter]] (1948) called him "The [[Karl Marx|Marx]] of the Master Class." Calhoun argued that a conservative minority should be able to limit the power of a "majority dictatorship" because tradition represents the wisdom of past generations. (This argument echoes one made by [[Edmund Burke]], the founder of British conservatism, in ''Reflections on the Revolution in France'' (1790)). Calhoun is considered the father of the idea of minority rights, a position adopted by liberals in the 1960s in dealing with [[Civil Rights]]. |
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| | The conservatism of the antebellum period is contested territory; conservatives of the 21st century disagree over what comprises their heritage. Thus [[William J. Bennett]] (2006), a prominent neoconservative leader, warns conservatives not to honor Calhoun, [[Know nothing party|Know-Nothings]], [[Copperheads (politics)|Copperheads]] and 20th-century [[isolationist]]s. Other conservatives disagree with Bennett. | | The conservatism of the antebellum period is contested territory; conservatives of the 21st century disagree over what comprises their heritage. Thus [[William J. Bennett]] (2006), a prominent neoconservative leader, warns conservatives not to honor Calhoun, [[Know nothing party|Know-Nothings]], [[Copperheads (politics)|Copperheads]] and 20th-century [[isolationist]]s. Other conservatives disagree with Bennett. |
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| | The 1896 presidential election was the first with a conservative versus liberal theme in the way in which these terms are now understood. Republican [[William McKinley]] won using the pro-business slogan "[[sound money]] and protection," while Bryan's anti-bank populism had a lasting effect on economic policies of the Democrat Party. | | The 1896 presidential election was the first with a conservative versus liberal theme in the way in which these terms are now understood. Republican [[William McKinley]] won using the pro-business slogan "[[sound money]] and protection," while Bryan's anti-bank populism had a lasting effect on economic policies of the Democrat Party. |
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| − | [[William Graham Sumner]], [[Yale University|Yale]] professor (1872–1910) and polymath, vigorously promoted a libertarian conservative ethic. After dallying with [[Social Darwinism]] under the influence of [[Herbert Spencer]], he rejected [[evolution]] in his later works, and strongly opposed imperialism. He opposed monopoly and [[paternalism]] in theory as a threat to equality, democracy and middle-class values, but was vague on what to do about it .<ref>Curtis, Bruce. "William Graham Sumner 'On the Concentration of Wealth.'" Journal of American History 1969 55(4): 823-832.</ref> | + | [[William Graham Sumner]], [[Yale University|Yale]] professor (1872–1910) and polymath, vigorously promoted a libertarian conservative ethic. After dallying with [[Social Darwinism]] under the influence of [[Herbert Spencer]], he rejected [[evolution]] in his later works, and strongly opposed imperialism. He opposed monopoly and [[paternalism]] in theory as a threat to equality, democracy and middle-class values, but was vague on what to do about it.<ref>Curtis, Bruce. "William Graham Sumner 'On the Concentration of Wealth.'" Journal of American History 1969 55(4): 823-832.</ref> |
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| | ===Early 20th century=== | | ===Early 20th century=== |
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| | ===Later 20th century: Goldwater and Buckley === | | ===Later 20th century: Goldwater and Buckley === |
| − | By 1950, [[American liberalism]] was so dominant in academia and journalism that liberal critic [[Lionel Trilling]] dismissed contemporary conservatism and anti-communism as "irritable mental gestures which seek to resemble ideas." <ref>Lapham 2004</ref> But just as Trilling was writing, a revival was underway. In the 1950s, principles for a conservative political movement were hashed out in books like [[Russell Kirk]]'s ''The Conservative Mind'' (1953) and in the highly influential new magazine ''[[National Review]]'', founded by [[William F. Buckley]] in 1955. | + | By 1950, [[American liberalism]] was so dominant in academia and journalism that liberal critic [[Lionel Trilling]] dismissed contemporary conservatism and anti-communism as "irritable mental gestures which seek to resemble ideas."<ref>Lapham 2004</ref> But just as Trilling was writing, a revival was underway. In the 1950s, principles for a conservative political movement were hashed out in books like [[Russell Kirk]]'s ''The Conservative Mind'' (1953) and in the highly influential new magazine ''[[National Review]]'', founded by [[William F. Buckley]] in 1955. |
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| | Whereas Taft's [[Old Right]] had been [[isolationist]] the new conservatism favored American intervention overseas to oppose [[Communism]]. It looked to the [[Founding Fathers]] for historical inspiration as opposed to [[John C. Calhoun|Calhoun]] and the antebellum South. The success of the [[Civil Rights movement]] came in the Civil Rights Act of 1957, the [[bi-partisan]] [[Civil Rights Act of 1964]] and the [[Voting Rights Act]] of 1965. Conservatives supported all, but [[Barry Goldwater]] bucked party leadership to win a few Southern states for the first time since Reconstruction. Until then Southern whites (both liberal and conservative) had been locked into the Democratic Party. That lock was now broken and some Southern conservatives voted for Goldwater for president in 1964. In 1968, Southern Democrats ran their own candidate against Richard Nixon. The Southern blacks now began to vote in large numbers, and buoyed by [[Great Society]] [[entitlement]]s became Democrats, moving that party in the South to the left. In 1972, fully one-third of all Democrats joined Richard Nixon's Silent Majority coalition against the far left progressive Democrats. Democrats shifted their strategy to nominating Southerners for president, Jimmy Carter in 1976, Bill Clinton in 1992 and 1996, and Al Gore in 2000. As the South became less racist, it became more Republican. By 2000, for the first time, all Southern states had a conservative GOP and a liberal Democratic Party. The region split in both federal and state contests. In 2008 the [[Barack Hussein Obama|Obama]] campaign rebuilt the Clinton coalition in [[Florida]], [[Virginia]] and [[North Carolina]]. | | Whereas Taft's [[Old Right]] had been [[isolationist]] the new conservatism favored American intervention overseas to oppose [[Communism]]. It looked to the [[Founding Fathers]] for historical inspiration as opposed to [[John C. Calhoun|Calhoun]] and the antebellum South. The success of the [[Civil Rights movement]] came in the Civil Rights Act of 1957, the [[bi-partisan]] [[Civil Rights Act of 1964]] and the [[Voting Rights Act]] of 1965. Conservatives supported all, but [[Barry Goldwater]] bucked party leadership to win a few Southern states for the first time since Reconstruction. Until then Southern whites (both liberal and conservative) had been locked into the Democratic Party. That lock was now broken and some Southern conservatives voted for Goldwater for president in 1964. In 1968, Southern Democrats ran their own candidate against Richard Nixon. The Southern blacks now began to vote in large numbers, and buoyed by [[Great Society]] [[entitlement]]s became Democrats, moving that party in the South to the left. In 1972, fully one-third of all Democrats joined Richard Nixon's Silent Majority coalition against the far left progressive Democrats. Democrats shifted their strategy to nominating Southerners for president, Jimmy Carter in 1976, Bill Clinton in 1992 and 1996, and Al Gore in 2000. As the South became less racist, it became more Republican. By 2000, for the first time, all Southern states had a conservative GOP and a liberal Democratic Party. The region split in both federal and state contests. In 2008 the [[Barack Hussein Obama|Obama]] campaign rebuilt the Clinton coalition in [[Florida]], [[Virginia]] and [[North Carolina]]. |
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| | "Forty percent of Americans now self-identify as conservatives — double the amount of self-professed liberals — largely because independents are beginning to take sides."<ref>http://www.ashbrook.org/publicat/onprin/winter11/spalding.html</ref> | | "Forty percent of Americans now self-identify as conservatives — double the amount of self-professed liberals — largely because independents are beginning to take sides."<ref>http://www.ashbrook.org/publicat/onprin/winter11/spalding.html</ref> |
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| − | Conservatives strongly criticized Obama for his far-left and negative policies and the negative impact of those policies .<ref>Scaliger, Charles (February 23, 2017). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/politics/item/25433-barack-obama-s-legacy Barack Obama's Legacy]. ''The New American''. Retrieved June 20, 2018.</ref> <ref>Adelmann, Bob (January 20, 2017). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/politics/item/25183-is-obama-worst-u-s-president Is Obama Worst U.S. President?] ''The New American''. Retrieved June 20, 2018.</ref> <ref>Vargas, Mark (September 16, 2018). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/the-legacy-of-barack-obama-and-its-not-a-good-one The legacy of Barack Obama (and it's not a good one)]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved September 16, 2018.</ref> [[Dinesh D'Souza]] wrote, "Obama's legacy is to double the national debt & dramatically reduce US influence in the world." <ref>https://twitter.com/dineshdsouza/status/760447860638789632</ref> During Obama's 8 years in office, Democrats lost over 1,000 seats in the federal and state governments .<ref>[https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/12/27/democrats-lost-over-1000-seats-under-obama.html?refresh=true Democrats lost over 1,000 seats under Obama]. ''Fox News''. December 27, 2016. Retrieved December 27, 2016.</ref> | + | Conservatives strongly criticized Obama for his far-left and negative policies and the negative impact of those policies.<ref>Scaliger, Charles (February 23, 2017). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/politics/item/25433-barack-obama-s-legacy Barack Obama's Legacy]. ''The New American''. Retrieved June 20, 2018.</ref><ref>Adelmann, Bob (January 20, 2017). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/politics/item/25183-is-obama-worst-u-s-president Is Obama Worst U.S. President?] ''The New American''. Retrieved June 20, 2018.</ref><ref>Vargas, Mark (September 16, 2018). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/the-legacy-of-barack-obama-and-its-not-a-good-one The legacy of Barack Obama (and it's not a good one)]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved September 16, 2018.</ref> [[Dinesh D'Souza]] wrote, "Obama's legacy is to double the national debt & dramatically reduce US influence in the world."<ref>https://twitter.com/dineshdsouza/status/760447860638789632</ref> During Obama's 8 years in office, Democrats lost over 1,000 seats in the federal and state governments.<ref>[https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/12/27/democrats-lost-over-1000-seats-under-obama.html?refresh=true Democrats lost over 1,000 seats under Obama]. ''Fox News''. December 27, 2016. Retrieved December 27, 2016.</ref> |
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| | Compare [[Progressive liberalism]]. | | Compare [[Progressive liberalism]]. |
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| | Conservatism has a strong tradition in the [[United Kingdom]], with figures such as [[John Locke]] and [[Edmund Burke]] laying its philosophical foundation. Most British conservatives belong to the [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative Party]] – a [[big tent]] party that includes both consistent conservatives and liberal [[globalists]] – as well as the [[United Kingdom Independence Party]], [[Brexit Party]], and the [[Democratic Unionist Party]]. Some notable British conservatives include [[Winston Churchill]], [[Enoch Powell]], [[Margaret Thatcher]], [[Ian Paisley]], [[Nigel Farage]], [[Raheem Kassam]], and [[Jacob Rees-Mogg]]. | | Conservatism has a strong tradition in the [[United Kingdom]], with figures such as [[John Locke]] and [[Edmund Burke]] laying its philosophical foundation. Most British conservatives belong to the [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative Party]] – a [[big tent]] party that includes both consistent conservatives and liberal [[globalists]] – as well as the [[United Kingdom Independence Party]], [[Brexit Party]], and the [[Democratic Unionist Party]]. Some notable British conservatives include [[Winston Churchill]], [[Enoch Powell]], [[Margaret Thatcher]], [[Ian Paisley]], [[Nigel Farage]], [[Raheem Kassam]], and [[Jacob Rees-Mogg]]. |
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| − | Up until the mid-19th century, the forerunner of the Conservative Party was known as [[Tory|Tories]], and the name has persisted as a common nickname both for the political party and those believed to be in agreement with it. Since the mid-to-late 1970s, British conservatives have been defined by an advocacy of [[laissez-faire]] economics, privatization, and lower taxation. In recent years the Conservative Party has moved away from the social conservatism which once characterized it, and the current party policy includes, for example, support for [[abortion]] on demand, gay [[civil partnership]], the [[Kyoto Treaty]] and opposition to [[capital punishment]] (although it should be noted that such policies have little support among the party's grassroots membership) .<ref>John Charmley, ''A History of Conservative Politics Since 1830'', (2nd ed. 2008)</ref> In common with conservatives in many other countries, British conservatives tend towards a patriotic rather than internationalist outlook, and are traditionally skeptical of the [[European Union]]. | + | Up until the mid-19th century, the forerunner of the Conservative Party was known as [[Tory|Tories]], and the name has persisted as a common nickname both for the political party and those believed to be in agreement with it. Since the mid-to-late 1970s, British conservatives have been defined by an advocacy of [[laissez-faire]] economics, privatization, and lower taxation. In recent years the Conservative Party has moved away from the social conservatism which once characterized it, and the current party policy includes, for example, support for [[abortion]] on demand, gay [[civil partnership]], the [[Kyoto Treaty]] and opposition to [[capital punishment]] (although it should be noted that such policies have little support among the party's grassroots membership).<ref>John Charmley, ''A History of Conservative Politics Since 1830'', (2nd ed. 2008)</ref> In common with conservatives in many other countries, British conservatives tend towards a patriotic rather than internationalist outlook, and are traditionally skeptical of the [[European Union]]. |
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| | [[Margaret Thatcher]] revitalized the British conservatives much like Reagan revitalized American conservatives. During her tenure as Prime Minister, she cut taxes, trimmed back government waste, and exercised a strong national defense abroad (including the [[Falklands War]] of 1982). | | [[Margaret Thatcher]] revitalized the British conservatives much like Reagan revitalized American conservatives. During her tenure as Prime Minister, she cut taxes, trimmed back government waste, and exercised a strong national defense abroad (including the [[Falklands War]] of 1982). |
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| | Levels of prayer and worship are much lower in [[England]] and [[Wales]] than in the U.S., and religious issues thereby play less of a role in public discourse. However, religious issues remain a significant factor in [[Northern Ireland]], and in 2008, religious issues were significant during a special election in [[Scotland]]. | | Levels of prayer and worship are much lower in [[England]] and [[Wales]] than in the U.S., and religious issues thereby play less of a role in public discourse. However, religious issues remain a significant factor in [[Northern Ireland]], and in 2008, religious issues were significant during a special election in [[Scotland]]. |
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| − | The broadcast media (dominated by the [[BBC]]) is almost exclusively [[liberal]] in tone. The print media is slightly different, with conservative-leaning newspapers like the ''[[Daily Mail]]'', ''[[Daily Express]]'' and ''[[Daily Telegraph]]'' selling more copies than their rivals .<ref>[http://www.mediauk.com/the_knowledge/i.muk/An_introduction_to_newspapers_in_the_UK Media UK; Introduction to newspapers in the UK]</ref> However, even the print media generally leans liberal. | + | The broadcast media (dominated by the [[BBC]]) is almost exclusively [[liberal]] in tone. The print media is slightly different, with conservative-leaning newspapers like the ''[[Daily Mail]]'', ''[[Daily Express]]'' and ''[[Daily Telegraph]]'' selling more copies than their rivals.<ref>[http://www.mediauk.com/the_knowledge/i.muk/An_introduction_to_newspapers_in_the_UK Media UK; Introduction to newspapers in the UK]</ref> However, even the print media generally leans liberal. |
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| | ===Conservatives in Canada===Many Canadian conservatives align with the [[Conservative Party of Canada]], though the party does not strongly adhere to conservative values. The [[Christian Heritage Party]] is an example of a smaller but more consistent conservative Canadian party. | | ===Conservatives in Canada===Many Canadian conservatives align with the [[Conservative Party of Canada]], though the party does not strongly adhere to conservative values. The [[Christian Heritage Party]] is an example of a smaller but more consistent conservative Canadian party. |
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| | === Conservatives in Australia === | | === Conservatives in Australia === |
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| − | Australia was once more conservative than England, but sweeping [[gun control]] laws pushed the nation leftward toward greater dependency on government in the last decade. In 2009, opposition to government control based on alleged [[global warming]] galvanized conservatives there, and they led the [[Liberal Party of Australia]] to a repudiation of an emissions trading scheme .<ref>http://www.smh.com.au/national/shock-result-as-abbott-wins-liberal-leadership-by-one-vote--ets-dead-20091201-k1uz.html</ref> Conservatives also support smaller political parties such as the [[Family First Party]]. | + | Australia was once more conservative than England, but sweeping [[gun control]] laws pushed the nation leftward toward greater dependency on government in the last decade. In 2009, opposition to government control based on alleged [[global warming]] galvanized conservatives there, and they led the [[Liberal Party of Australia]] to a repudiation of an emissions trading scheme.<ref>http://www.smh.com.au/national/shock-result-as-abbott-wins-liberal-leadership-by-one-vote--ets-dead-20091201-k1uz.html</ref> Conservatives also support smaller political parties such as the [[Family First Party]]. |
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| | === Conservatives in Latin America === | | === Conservatives in Latin America === |
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| | *Forero, Juan; Luhnow, David (December 19, 2019). [https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-leftist-pink-tide-in-latin-america-is-receding-11576772757 The Leftist ‘Pink Tide’ in Latin America Is Receding ]. ''The Wall Street Journal''. Retrieved December 19, 2019. | | *Forero, Juan; Luhnow, David (December 19, 2019). [https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-leftist-pink-tide-in-latin-america-is-receding-11576772757 The Leftist ‘Pink Tide’ in Latin America Is Receding ]. ''The Wall Street Journal''. Retrieved December 19, 2019. |
| | See also: | | See also: |
| − | *Martel, Frances (December 22, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/latin-america/2018/12/22/brazils-conservatives-turn-ambitions-towards-global-anti-socialist-alliance/ Brazil’s Conservatives Turn Ambitions Towards Global Anti-Socialist Alliance]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved January 1, 2019.</ref> and conservative [[evangelical Christians]] have been growing in political influence .<ref>Puglie, Frederic (February 19, 2018). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/feb/19/latin-american-voters-turn-evangelicals-social-con/ Evangelicals' newfound political clout in Latin America unnerves politicians, Catholic Church]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved October 28, 2018.</ref> <ref>Polimédio, Chayenne (January 24, 2018). [https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2018/01/the-evangelical-takeover-of-brazilian-politics/551423/ The Rise of the Brazilian Evangelicals]. ''The Atlantic''. Retrieved October 28, 2018.</ref> | + | *Martel, Frances (December 22, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/latin-america/2018/12/22/brazils-conservatives-turn-ambitions-towards-global-anti-socialist-alliance/ Brazil’s Conservatives Turn Ambitions Towards Global Anti-Socialist Alliance]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved January 1, 2019.</ref> and conservative [[evangelical Christians]] have been growing in political influence.<ref>Puglie, Frederic (February 19, 2018). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/feb/19/latin-american-voters-turn-evangelicals-social-con/ Evangelicals' newfound political clout in Latin America unnerves politicians, Catholic Church]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved October 28, 2018.</ref><ref>Polimédio, Chayenne (January 24, 2018). [https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2018/01/the-evangelical-takeover-of-brazilian-politics/551423/ The Rise of the Brazilian Evangelicals]. ''The Atlantic''. Retrieved October 28, 2018.</ref> |
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| − | Some notable Latin American conservatives include [[Jair Bolsonaro]] (Brazil), [[Eduardo Bolsonaro]] (Brazil), [[Ernesto Araújo]] (Brazil), [[Agustín Laje]] (Argentina), [[Nicolás Márquez]] (Argentina), [[José Antonio Kast]] (Chile), [[Hermógenes Pérez de Arce]] (Chile), [[Jimmy Morales]] (Guatemala), [[Fabricio Alvarado]] (Costa Rica) ,<ref>Cullinan Hoffman, Matthew (February 5, 2018). [https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/christian-minister-dominates-costa-rican-presidential-election-polls-after Christian minister takes lead in Costa Rican presidential election after vowing to stop gay agenda]. ''LifeSiteNews''. Retrieved October 28, 2018.</ref> [[Alberto Fujimori]] (Peru), [[Keiko Fujimori]] (Peru), [[Alvaro Uribe]] (Colombia) and [[Mario Abdo Benítez]] (Paraguay). | + | Some notable Latin American conservatives include [[Jair Bolsonaro]] (Brazil), [[Eduardo Bolsonaro]] (Brazil), [[Ernesto Araújo]] (Brazil), [[Agustín Laje]] (Argentina), [[Nicolás Márquez]] (Argentina), [[José Antonio Kast]] (Chile), [[Hermógenes Pérez de Arce]] (Chile), [[Jimmy Morales]] (Guatemala), [[Fabricio Alvarado]] (Costa Rica),<ref>Cullinan Hoffman, Matthew (February 5, 2018). [https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/christian-minister-dominates-costa-rican-presidential-election-polls-after Christian minister takes lead in Costa Rican presidential election after vowing to stop gay agenda]. ''LifeSiteNews''. Retrieved October 28, 2018.</ref> [[Alberto Fujimori]] (Peru), [[Keiko Fujimori]] (Peru), [[Alvaro Uribe]] (Colombia) and [[Mario Abdo Benítez]] (Paraguay). |
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| | === Conservatism and the French Revolution === | | === Conservatism and the French Revolution === |
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| | ''See also:'' [[American liberalism and 21st century political losses]] and [[Secular leftists and psychogenic illness]] | | ''See also:'' [[American liberalism and 21st century political losses]] and [[Secular leftists and psychogenic illness]] |
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| − | ''Time'' magazine reported: "In the " Who's happier? A whole body of research shows conservatives report being happier. [http://www.sciencemag.org/content/347/6227/1243 Four new studies] published in ''Science'' hint at a possible reason why .<ref>[http://time.com/3744433/liberals-conservatives-happiness/ Liberals are More Honest Than Conservatives When They Smile], Time Magazine, 2015</ref> | + | ''Time'' magazine reported: "In the " Who's happier? A whole body of research shows conservatives report being happier. [http://www.sciencemag.org/content/347/6227/1243 Four new studies] published in ''Science'' hint at a possible reason why.<ref>[http://time.com/3744433/liberals-conservatives-happiness/ Liberals are More Honest Than Conservatives When They Smile], Time Magazine, 2015</ref> |
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| | {|align=right border=3 cellspacing=0 style="border-width: 5px; border-color: #c0c0c0; background: #e0e0e0; margin: 2em;" | | {|align=right border=3 cellspacing=0 style="border-width: 5px; border-color: #c0c0c0; background: #e0e0e0; margin: 2em;" |