The Long History of Fighting Over the Term ‘Conservative’

Joshua Tait on the failure of the postwar conservatives to reclaim the term.

Apr 02, 2021

The Long History of Fighting Over the Term ‘Conservative’

JOSHUA TAIT: The postwar circle of New Conservatives tried to claim the word—but they lost and were largely forgotten.

🎧 On the Pods… 🎧

David Frum on the GOP's Strange New Doctrine

On today’s Bulwark podcast, David Frum joins host Charlie Sykes to discuss his recent column on the GOP’s strange new doctrine, the Matt Gaetz controversy, and how secularization has caused race to replace religion as an organizing principle.

Will Biden Bucks Defeat Culture Wars?

Bret Stephens joins to consider the latest multi-trillion dollar spending bill, the GOP workers' party strategy, and the decline in church membership.

Rings Are Not First-Date Appropriate (Episodes 9 & 10)

The persecution of Jews begins in earnest. The spy ring intersects with the ring of Jewish refugees. Is Mr. Schwartz Jewish? Ben fives into the differences between the German Army, the SS, the SD, and the Gestapo. Sarah still can't pronounce De Kervern. Ben reveals his preferred method of torture. Lucienne and Beriot have more awkward encounters. Rings are not first-date appropriate!

For Bulwark+ Members… 🔐

MORNING SHOTS: Lordy, There Were Hula Hoops 🔓

CHARLIE SYKES on Matt Gaetz, and John Boehner on how the GOP lost its mind.

THE TRIAD: Good Friday and Bad Christians 🔐

JVL: Christianity and bumper-sticker politics don't mix.

TNB: PizzaGaetz Livestream 🔐

Join Sarah Longwell, Mona Charen, Amanda Carpenter, and Charlie Sykes to talk about the Matt Gaetz accusations and this week in Washington, where it’s always infrastructure week.

From The Bulwark Aggregator…

In Today’s Bulwark...

How Infrastructure and Climate Are Linked Issues

JOSEPH MAJKUT AND CARL POPE: Investment in green recovery—as Biden’s new plan proposes—offers both economic and environmental returns.

'Godzilla vs. Kong' Reviewed!

SONNY BUNCH: Big monkey and big lizard go punch-punch! Also: Are two 'Knives Out' sequels worth $400 million?

🚨OVERTIME 🚨

It’s Good Friday! Hope you’re taking it easy. I tried to go to Long John Silver’s, which just reopened, but the line was 30 cars deep. This weekend, we’re making ham and I am smoking brisket for my parents and siblings. If Easter is your holiday, I hope it is a special one. We’re sending OVERTIME a bit early to start the weekend off right.

Now, for the good stuff… I don’t like audio books, but I am going to have to make an exception for this one from the Good Orange Man.

Jonathan Swan @jonathanvswan

When @SpeakerBoehner was recording his audiobook I was told by sources that during these wine-soaked sessions he would deviate from the book’s text and insert random violent attacks on @tedcruz. Well, here’s some tape (listen to the end):

The GOP and Vaccine Passports. Will Wilkinson makes an astute observation, similar to that of what David Frum observed (above):

It’s really dead simple. Republicans favor freedom of association and strong property rights when it allows them to discriminate against people they don’t like. They oppose freedom of association and strong property rights when it allows others to discriminate against them. There’s nothing more to it. It’s blatantly self-serving tribalism. That’s the GOP’s one foundational principle. That’s it.

How Nancy Reagan helped end the Cold War… At the Post, Karen Tumulty writes about Nancy Reagan and Raisa Gorbachev’s spousal diplomacy during the Cold War.

Hazard Pay won’t cover it…

Ana Cabrera @AnaCabrera

JUST IN: Rep. Matt Gaetz’s spokesperson Luke Ball has left the congressman’s office. A statement says they “agreed that it would be best to part ways.”

I am mad again. The U.S. Capitol Police have been through a lot lately, and today, right now, these brave officers could use your prayers. The suspect, who allegedly drove two USCP officers into a permanent barrier, is now reported dead.

One Capitol Police office is reported as having died, as well.