No Movement That Embraces Trump Can Call Itself Conservativ

National Review ^ | September 5, 2015 | JONAH GOLDBERG

[Steelfish]

No Movement That Embraces Trump Can Call Itself Conservative

by JONAH GOLDBERG September 5, 2015

Dear Reader (if there are any of you left), Well, if this is the conservative movement now, I guess you’re going to have to count me out. No, I’m not making some mad dash to the center. No, I’m not hoping to be the first alternate to Steve Schmidt on Morning Joe, nor am I vying to become my generation’s Kevin Phillips. I will never be a HillaryCon. And I have no plan to earn “strange new respect” from the Georgetown cocktail-party set I’m always hearing about but never meeting.

But even if I have no desire to “grow” in my beliefs, I have no intention to shrink, either. The late Bill Rusher, longtime publisher of National Review, often counseled young writers to remember, “Politicians will always disappoint you.” As I’ve often said around here, this isn’t because politicians are evil. It’s because politicians are politicians. Their interests too often lie in votes, not in principles.

That’s why the conservative movement has always recognized that victory lies not simply in electing conservative politicians, but in shaping a conservative electorate that lines up the incentives so that politicians define their self-interest in a conservative way. But if it’s true that politicians can disappoint, I think one has to say that the people can, too.

Trump Has Succeeded in Convincing Conservatives to Discard Their Principles Overnight And when I say “the people” I don’t mean “those people.” I mean my people. I mean many of you, Dear Readers.

[Gaffer]

Jonah, I am “not your people” - never was. You and the rest of so-called conservative punditry, GOP establishment media like Fox, the RNC and Republican leadership are, in fact, “NOT our people.”

Those that aren’t clamoring to throw Trump out on his ear might be just so pissed at the establishment status quo (you and all the others I described) we’d rather see you writhe in agony and twist in the wind for a while.

The more you pundits (who never had a job where you got a sweat up) rant, rave and reel at the success of Trump, the more I like it, frankly.

Trump isn’t my guy; that’s gonna be Cruz who I vote for in my primary, but if Trump makes it to the ticket for the general election, you’re damned right I’ll vote for him. Conversely, if Jeb Bush made it to the nomination, there isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell I’d vote for him.

You did that Jonah - you and all your buddies, cronies and your media pals along with virtually the entirety of the RNC and Congress.

[nathanbedford]

If it wasn’t for a stain on a blue dress Jonah Goldberg would be flipping burgers at Micky Dees. He is a little man with no talent.

Nonsense. Jonah Goldberg has written one of the best books in years which has been invaluable in exposing the left for its fascist roots. Liberal Fascism is a seminal work which contributed greatly to the popular understanding of the left.

Jonah Goldberg's earlier writings with National Review were splendidly written and produced on a daily basis, revealing real natural talent. I would say that he is right behind Mark Stein as a writer who is as clever as he is insightful.

This business of bashing every messenger who brings us the reality of Donald Trump is demeaning to conservatism.

[nathanbedford]

Cruz supports her and she is still in jail. What good does that do anybody? Trump is doing just as much for her in real terms as Cruz and all the rest of the elected DC republicans, which is nothing. I am not impressed by any DC republican’s talk any more, let hem actually do something.

Oh for God's sake man!

Ted Cruz was standing on his feet all night long peeing into a bag strapped to his leg for you. He stood against more than ninety senators for you. He stood against the media for you.

We wonder why the rest of the GOP establishment turns its face away from us and towards its donors? Maybe it is because we let them down in the crunch. Maybe we wallow in our cynicism caused by our very own the betrayals. Maybe because we go whoring after the next new thing.

[AdaGray]

At his core, Jonah and his mother (Lucianne of Lucianne.com) are Upper West Side Manhattan elitists who are certain they know more than most. The problem is, as Trump says, all the do is “talk.”

[jobim]

That is a bullseye, sir. Trump is not an amalgamation of Conservative principles - he is a sign of the times. He represents the anti-Establishment (GOPeDem), a firewall that may perhaps prevent the Establishment from further sliding into a world of single government.

[wastoute]

Bravo! Succinct. Clear. Thank you.

[wastoute]

When your wife gets you a dog she is trying to tell you something.

[stillonaroll]

"...virtually all of us IGNORED Trump at the very beginning, back when he was a celebrity. But that changed once Trump made immigration FRONT AND CENTER of his campaign..."

------------------------------------

Exactly right! There is no issue more important to the future of America as illegal immigration. It impacts everything else at issue in politics: crime, employment, government spending, housing, schools, transportation.

Trump changed the central focus of the entire R primary. Everyone had to respond, and that forced errors by others, most notably Jeb. That is of service to America, even if Trump fails to win a single primary/caucus.

[wastoute]

But have you noticed? In the GOP Casino Kraut and Will both have started putting money on Cruz since Trump got in.

[jospehm20]

Cruz is a good guy and if donating to him monthly is letting him down, then I am guilty. That does not change the fact that he or any other republican never actually gets anything done, which is why I am disgusted because with them. The current crop of DC republicans do not even attempt to get anything done. Take the current Planned Parenthood thing for an example. Defunding it should be easy and a no-brainer. The GOPe leadership has indicated that they will not even attempt to defund it, despite selling themselves as pro-life come election time. They are fine with forcing people like me to subsidize that organization and could not give a rat’s behind what I think of that. BTW, I think you have it exactly back-asswords. I am not the reason that the GOP-E “turned its face’ or whatever. They like the donor money regardless of what I do. They see their voters as rubes and their actions betray that fact. The DC Republicans have no intention of ever keeping their campaign promises. Just look at our current Congress and tell me I am wrong. I haven’t betrayed anything. I am simply asking for some results and that promises be kept. I don’t feel bad about that at all.

[wastoute]

Curious. Really curious. Notice Trump is becoming a “nuanced” politician. We read he met with a Latino group several days ago and reassured them he was only wanting to deport the MS-13 types. You would think that if they wanted to destroy Trump by peeling his support away they would be blaring this to the skies. But they aren’t. Even most of the Trump supporters on FreeRepublic seem unaware of this shift. Most seem to think he still wants to deport all illegals. He has backed way off on that. Still they don’t mention it.

Why? I am not sure but I suspect they don’t even want to talk about immigration at all and would rather leave this Achilles Heel unscathed. Really curious.

[Soul of the South]

” . . . and Will . . . was one of the first to call for his (Nixon’s) resignation.”

Yet where is the “conservative” Will on Obama resigning? Silent. Obama’s actions against the republic and the people far surpass anything Nixon did.

By being an early conservative writer calling for Nixon’s resignation, Will furthered his career by siding with the liberals in the meedia seeking to bring Nixon down. He became one of the acceptable conservative pundits and has benefited from a career in the establishment media. No courage was displayed, only self interest.

To call for Obama’s resignation or impeachment would be an act of courage because he would be pilloried by his liberal “friends” in the media, he would be shunned by the elites and his lucrative writing and speaking assignments would evaporate. His career, and his invitations to the best New York and Washington social engagements would end.

Will is a comfortable and wealthy member of the establishment. He is not a patriot, a defender of the republic, or a champion of conservatism. He is one of many performers on a stage for which he is well compensated.

[freedomfiter2]

The GOPe thought it was a great idea to require a 2/3 majority to reject a treaty.How is that Constitutional? Why did so called conservative Senators go along with it. We can’t get conservative things done until the GOPe is destroyed. That’s where Trump comes in. The compromised dwarves aren’t up to the task.

[nathanbedford]

I agree with you, I was intemperate in my indictment of conservatives. There is absolutely no question that we have been betrayed by Congress. I do think however that we should distinguish between Ted Cruz and Lee and a few others and the rest of them.

With respect to my comments which might attach to you, I stand corrected.

[freedomfiter2]

Cruz already sold out the US with his Corker vote.

[Nicojones]

Too funny, Jonah. I voted for all of the candidates that NRO labeled “true conservatives”. For example, I voted for their bright, shiny, new conservative toy here in Florida. What did that get me? He teamed up with Chuck schemer and the gang of 8 and betrayed every promise he made on immigration. Even worse, this conservative was caught on Univision promising amnesty when telling NRO that he was against it. Where’s Jonah’s article throwing him out of the conservative movement? Moreover, when we elected Boehner and McConnel and the rest of the NRO conservatives to implement real change, what did they do? Ram Cromnibus down our throats, fully fund obamacare, and fund obama’s lawless amnesty. Think about it, the whole country is talking about immigration and their silence and actions on this issue continues. Does Jonah label that conservative and if not, where is his article throwing them out of the movement? Sorry Jonah and those on this board that don’t get it. I’ve been repeatedly lied to and they are allowing my country to demographically and socially change into something I don’t recognize, against my wishes. I want someone who will act and right now, that man is Trump. Is he perfect or consistent on all of my issues? Not in the least. But he covers the most important ones perfectly and has put his businesses on the line (the left is boycotting his hotels, nbc cancelled his beauty pageant, Macy’s stopped carrying his clothing, ESPN moved its golf tournament, among other things), convincing me he is all in and will follow through. Your gop politician friends made this situation Jonah. Welcome to the revolution.

[Russ]

You saved me a lot of time and effort. Now all I have to write is : I agree...

[trebb]

Until the Conservative Movement starts investing itself by sending lots of money to its favored candidates, a Trump may be the best we can muster. If all those, in the Nation< who claim they are conservative and who also think Cruz is conservative, would send him $25.00, he'd have a Billion or so to play with....If the "conservative movement" won't get off it's keester and start investing itself instead of sticking to lip-service punditry, then we either support a Trump or go down in flames now.

GO CVRUZ!!! Keep it up Trump!!

Donate to Cruz

Donate to FR

[Yosemitest]

Because of your comment 117 and 12o I read Goldberg's whole issue.
I found very little real substance in it, and I mostly found innuendo from him.
His accusations that anyone who supports Trump is not a "Conservative" falls to death ears, and reeks of jealousy.
I would have him DEFINE just what he thinks a "True Conservative" IS.
The only real conservative we have in the candidates is TED CRUZ, and he's not as strong as I'd like.
Jonah;s statement that "Politicians are 'Politicians' FIRST."
Well "DUAH" !


As far as who's running today, HOW MANY TIMES DO THEY HAVE TO LIE TO US ?
They keep saying that they;re the real "Conservative", but they don't do a damn thing, except FUND everything the ILLEGAL ALIEN IN CHIEF ask for. ENOUGH ALREADY !
They can all GO TO HELL !

I want ACTION; not just words !

I want some of these CRIMINALS IN JAIL that's been running government, starting with the KENYAN TURD AMND HIS IRANIAN SPY !

[greedo]

I support Mr. Trump because I cannot bear the thought of another President Bush.

I am not pretending that Mr. Trump is a conservative.  He is the enemy of my enemy.

If Cruz or anybody else had the big poll numbers vs. Jeb, I would be supporting them instead.

(except not that a-hole grahamnesty.)