She is connecting with Freepers on a cultural and emotional level, but I agree she does not come off as having an deeply grounded, intellectually conservative world view in the way that Goldwater and Reagan did.
And I hate it that "intellectual" seems to have become an insult on FR these days. I grew up reading the works of conservatives like Russell Kirk, Whittaker Chambers, and Friedrich Hayek. You'll never convince me that the likes of Hannity, Coulter, and Beck can compare.
The problem with intellectuals is that they tend to think big thoughts but do nothing about them. Too many intellectuals in government is part of the reason it is in the shape it is in, and to listen to folks pine for intellectualism in their candidates reminds of this guy:
I'll take the do'ers like Sarah Palin over the intellectuals like Adlai here any day of the week.
I agree. Hannity, Coulter, and Beck do have their roles to play. And I believe Coulter really is smart enough to carry her weight with thinkers you listed. But it seems she would rather play the role of provocateur. It pays a whole lot better. I am always suspicious of the anti-intellectual crowd. As my Dad always said, "Use your head for something besides a hat rack." It is not a sin to think. In fact, I believe it is a requirement to at least make the effort.
Good post.
And I hate it that “intellectual” seems to have become an insult on FR these days.
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Agreed. Around here, the underlying theme is often that intellectual = effete elite.