Which Conservatism?

Charles S. Kelser has an excellent piece on the challenge presented to conservatives by the variety of understandings of what conservatism is. While the distinctions that Kesler points to are important, The Oracle still believes that dynamic leadership could successfully unite most of these groups around commonly held principles.

The other point that Kesler makes that is important is that conservatives must set out to persuade the electorate, not merely remind them of conservative principles. Those whose recollections of the decades before Reagan are either vague or indirect may not understand that the pre-eminence of conservative political principles cannot be assumed. Minds must be won.

Hat Tip: Voluntarily Conservative