Attack of the Killer Pundits

In 1980, when Ronald Reagan swept into the White House and the Republicans took the Senate, many concluded that America had turned decisively to the Right. Eight years later, the old liberal coalition, exhilarated at the prospect of overturning Reaganism, has launched an aggressive campaign to convince us that the conservative movement is a thing of the past.

In the 1988 primary season, different components of the Reagan coalition naturally engaged in speculations (now over) about who would lead the GOP in the next round of battles for conservative values. But the Democratic coalition and its allies among liberal political commentators are much more interested in getting us to jettison conservative values themselves. To this end, they have resurrected two old tactics.

DH

About the Author

Don Hodel

Featured Tags

Presidential Election

In 1980, when Ronald Reagan swept into the White House and the Republicans took the Senate, many concluded that America had turned decisively to the Right. Eight years later, the old liberal coalition, exhilarated at the prospect of overturning Reaganism, has launched an aggressive campaign to convince us that the conservative movement is a thing of the past.

In the 1988 primary season, different components of the Reagan coalition naturally engaged in speculations (now over) about who would lead the GOP in the next round of battles for conservative values. But the Democratic coalition and its allies among liberal political commentators are much more interested in getting us to jettison conservative values themselves. To this end, they have resurrected two old tactics.