Conservatives by definition are people who want to preserve traditions and institutions. In American politics that means limited government, free markets, and a more spiritual outlook based on Judeo-Christian ethics. While a Liberal wants to change society, they are not really interested in preserving tradition as much as they are into tearing down the old to replace it with their view of a utopian world. In most cases the Liberal starts from a position of relative weakness while the Conservative, defending the traditions of society will tend to start in a more dominant position.

The goal of the Liberal then is to chip away at the traditional power base. It can be a long process so the Liberal learns to be patient, take what they can get, and count each small victory as another pebble gained until one day when they are the ones in power. I think this attitude of take what you can get still exists in the Democratic party. The varied pressure groups that make up the Democratic party seem to be more willing to stay quiet, tow the party line, and wait their turn for a political victory.

Conservatives on the other hand seem to be more absolute. A decision is right or wrong. You are for us or against us. There is very little gray area to many Conservatives. Indeed in many primary elections the Conservative races seem to be more of a purity test to see who is the "true" Conservative. One big reason for this kind of attitude is that most Conservatives base their decisions on their moral values. Moral values is a cornerstone to any Conservative. Liberals do not seem to be more willing to look the other way. They are willing to hear their candidates say whatever is needed to win.

Liberals are concerned about electing Liberals while Conservatives want to vote for the right person. This may help explain why Democrats still win so many elections in what pollster say is a slightly conservative country.

Conservatives need to take a page from the radicals. After all what good is it to stand up for your principles if you lose the elections and the political power to preserve them? Take the recent budget debate for example. It was a Conservative victory. A small victory but a victory nonetheless. But after the battle, the Conservatives were mad. It didn't go far enough, they should have held out for more. Conservatives were attacking the Speaker of the House every chance they got. In the long run they are right, there is still a lot more work to be done. But take the victory as a victory. Proclaim the benefits to the country. Take some credit for holding down the ever increasing budget.

Conservatives need to show a better face to the public as well. When you hear the media spin all you hear is Republicans no taxes, cut spending. A very rigid sounding stance. While the Democrats are saying we will cut spending if you raise taxes. Now in practice what they mean is raise taxes a lot and we will give you a token cut in spending. But it sounds better on Main Street then what the Republicans are saying. The Democrats are much better at manipulating public opinion. The Republicans have to worry about losing their political base if they don't sound conservative enough.

The Republicans in general and the Tea Party in particular can learn from the Democrats. Go for small victories, they will add up. Show more willingness to negotiate. What if the Republicans came out and said that they are willing to raise revenue in exchange for massive tax overhauls? The tune is now different, It is less rigid, more flexible. The Republicans could then go on to attack the current tax system, how it rewards some and punishes others. Show how it makes American exports less competitive. Make the tax system an issue, bring out a plan for improving the economy which will also bring in more revenue. The Democrats will not want to overhaul a tax system that is mostly of their creation. But throw the gauntlet down. Challenge the status quo. That is what the American people want. The Conservatives need to give our politicians a pass. Allow them to be more flexible in rhetoric and action to gain those small victories and save the ship.

-- Thomas Paine 2

Technorati Tags: 2012 election, politics, conservative versus liberal