The third major problem with the conservative Movement in America is with the leadership of the Republican Party. Major figures in the Party are intent on turning the Party into the Democratic Party lite–the Democratic agenda, only slower. John McCain comes to mind. His contempt for his base was unrivaled (and perhaps the only good news from the 2008 election is that McCain is discredited). The argument for doing this is simple: It is necessary to remain competitive country-wide where mimicry of the Democrats is necessary due to the Left’s ownership of the public sphere.
There is merit to that argument.
Unfortunately, this means that the Republican Party abandons conservative political principles. The Left has won.
Alternatively, the leadership of the Republican Party could return to its conservative principles.
This will be difficult. The cost will be high.
The Left does not want this–they want the monopoly on political principles–and they own the public sphere. So to pursue this path requires enduring the wrath of the Democrats, Old Media, pundits, Hollywood, the education system, etc.
But that is precisely an argument for doing it. Only by so doing can the Party hope to reclaim a place for conservatism in the public sphere. If the Republican Party will not do this, the conservative movement is eclipsed, perhaps permanently. Those known as conservatives will be Democrats Lite, a la John McCain.
There was an article in the Economist a couple months ago that suggested the Republicans emulate the Tories and swing left in their politics to regain relevance. Quite frankly, I would rather see the party sink into oblivion than sell its soul in such a pathetic fashion.
I agree that the Left’s domination of the public sphere is enormously consequential and underappreciated, and in the long run, dangerous for democracy. With no legitimate outlets through which to express itself, the conservative movement will take on the character of an insurgency, in mentality if not in action.
However, the death of the Republican Party and the ideals it stands for has been heralded many times before, only for it to be resurrected again, as the cycle of American politics repeats itself. This is not Europe; the historical experience and political culture of the United States does not permit the inexorable leftward shift of other Western societies. The Democrats will eventually overreach and voters will elect an alternative. When this happens, no amount of spin or hostile coverage by the media will be able to stop it.
In the meantime, as Karl Rove eloquently put it, it is the duty of the Republican Party – indeed, the duty of all Americans – to support our leaders when we think they’re right, argue our case when their minds are open to persuasion, and oppose them when we think they’re in the wrong. Additionally, the Republican Party needs to go about rebuilding and preparing for future elections; we can thank God that the timing of our elections is dictated by law.
In the long run, the West will experience cataclysms that completely redefine politics. It is impossible to know what the cataclysms will be, or the shape of politics afterward, but we can be sure that it will look nothing like it currently does…maybe conservatism will gain a new legitimacy all around the world.