On the Ideal Conservatism
Political party realignments can occur for a number of reasons, but three of the more common driving factors are:
- a major split within one of the parties
- an unusually decisive defeat of one of the parties
- a political-landscape-altering historical event (usually negative) such as a war or an economic depression.
Donald Trump’s candidacy has already checked box (1) and may yet cross off (2) and/or (3) in the event of his defeat or election, respectively. So it’s quite possible - and you’ve probably heard speculations - that we’re about to see a major realignment of at least the Republican party (and potentially the other side of the aisle as well).
Because the Republican party has not been at its finest in recent years, and because of generally increased political polarization, there’s a certain degree of anticipatory glee in the air at the prospect of the party’s implosion. Sure, fine. But I think any American is pretty well versed by now in the dangers of power vacuums, and so the real question that emerges from this scenario is what comes next, which in turn raises the question that I’d like to get your thoughts on here:
QUESTION: within the political and social constraints imposed by the modern US electorate, what - in your opinion - would the ideal conservative party look like? What do you see as the most important benefits that a socially and economically conservative party can bring to the table in this country?
BONUS QUESTION: and, any idea what it would take for something resembling that ideal Republican party to emerge from the imminent fray?