Let’s be clear about one thing: “conservative” means just that—generally content about things, preferring the status quo, and resisting strong change in any direction. That is what the word means.
Those who want strong change in a more moral and/or ethical direction, who seek legislation and action to improve our collective situation are *not* “conservative”, though they find greatest acceptance with conservatives.
The derogatory label “reactionary” is closest, but insulting; so these people need a better label. Calling them “the religious right” is also meant to be insulting and derogatory, though many of them *are* religious, as it is not exclusive or always central to their motivations.
So they are “the right that is *not* ‘conservative’”. And they really should develop their own label, and not leave it up to a hostile MSM to do so. One they can use to show to both those who hold the same political ideas that they do, and conservatives, who are close to them, who they are.
The very first thing to do is to look at the republican candidates, and ask yourself the big question:
1) Are they republican liberals? That is, do they seek change in one or more political policies that are embraced by liberals? If so, they are *not* “conservatives”. (They may also be liberal on so few things that they are not RINOs, either.)
2) Are they true “conservatives”. That is, do they not seek any grand change in any direction, just maintenance of what is acceptable? Issue by issue, with some exceptions, comfortable with current practice, whatever it is.
3) Are they of the need-to-be-named right that wants considerable change to correct what they see as societal erosion, economic irresponsibility in government, and an unsteady foreign policy?
This is really the test for candidates, importantly *all* of whom can be republicans. And they are not clear and distinct boundaries, as there is considerable “issue overlap”.
Eventually republicans will have to decide where they stand and where the candidates stand to figure out what best fits to their values.
Those who want strong change in a more moral and/or ethical direction, who seek legislation and action to improve our collective situation are *not* “conservative”, though they find greatest acceptance with conservatives.
If they are seeking to regain something that previously existed they would still be conservative.