The Proof -
People always see too much "reality" in evil. I've already remarked that AS did a service by putting conservatism on the high road, even the Oakshottian high road. Perhaps that's conservatism at its best. It's also true that conservatism in America has not had too many shining moments in that regard, but has the scars of ... brutish aspects cut into it.
The Nasty Party
Sic semper tyrranus, eh? It's too soon to say. It's still 22 some odd months before "accountability time". So, so much could happen before then.
At least for now, it is true that two mainstays are bent if not snapped:
- strong on defense is now a charismatic-candidate issue, not a party issue and
- runs the government better is ... cancelled, alongside the "Contract with America".
The Inelasticity of the Electorate
Meanwhile, while the realm of ideas has its purchase (and booksales), one has to be aware that the marginal influence of politicans on politics is ... mere percentage points. (hat tip to Yglesias)
link1: AS
link2: AS
