GOP at a Crossroads

Interesting reading from David Limbaugh this morning. The GOP should listen.

With Reagan at the helm, there was little doubt what the party stood for -- and why. His policies emanated from a Judeo-Christian worldview and were therefore consistent and cohesive.

Since he left office, the party, except for the 1994 Congress, has lost its focus. President Bush 41 moved the party away from Reagan conservatism, promising a "kinder and gentler" approach. Many interpreted this as a tacit admission that conservatism lacks kindness and gentleness. President George W. Bush sent mixed signals concerning his allegiance to Reagan conservatism. On the one hand he strongly hinted he identified more with Ronald Reagan's brand of conservatism than his father's. On the other, he promoted "compassionate conservatism," which some viewed as his effort to distance himself from traditional conservatism.

In office President Bush has been admirably conservative on such big issues as taxes, the judiciary, the war and social issues. In other major areas, like immigration, discretionary domestic spending, education and the prescription drug entitlement, he has greatly disappointed conservatives.

Apart from whether you agree with all or part of the president's policy mix, it's hard to deny that under his stewardship the conservative brand, like the Republican brand, has sustained a substantial setback. Not only has conservatism lost its definition, it has been blamed -- ironically -- for the problems that have resulted from the GOP's departure from it. That is, conservatism has sustained a black eye because a president and Congress associated with it have deviated from it.