(08-07-2023, 03:36 PM)MarleyJag Wrote: Do any Trump supporters here feel like he’s a traditional conservative? I'm not trying to make a point, I’m just honestly curious how his supporters view him. My brother’s a supporter, and when I asked him this question, he replied that he has the qualities of a traditional conservative without the baggage. Asking him to explain what that meant though went off into some odd tangents.

Oh, I misread the question, too. Conservatism popped up as a response to progressivism in the early 1900's and wasn't overtly religious. Its primary function was to limit the powers of the federal government and protect the Constitution of the US. It wasn't really until the Cold War was underway that we started to see more Christian influence as a response to godless communism, with its influence reaching its strongest peak with the Christian Coalition. I think of Pence as a Christian Coalition conservative, and that group really lost its power over gay rights. So, at least in my life, I think it's safe to say Pence is a traditional conservative, but that's not really what the base is looking for anymore. Moreso, he represents a specific period of conservatism that doesn't brand well these days. Then again, what conservatism brands well? I think libertarianism is the best you can claim.

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