"My brand of conservatism is not an angry hostile brand. It's one that says 'conservative' means we want to conserve the best of our culture, society, principles and values and pass them on," he said last month.
I sorry but that statement pretty much alienates me from this guy. Conservatism is not angry and hostile. LIBERALISM is angry and hostile. It holds people and institutions in contempt and demands the right of a self selected elite to micromanage all us peasant's lives for us.
NOTE to all Reagan wannabees. Ronald Reagan NEVER apologized for being a Conservative.
Unfortunately, there are perceptions about ideologies whether we like it or not. Reagan did a great job of promoting the "tax and spend" liberal. It was so effective, Clinton had to run as a "new kind of Democrat" in 1992. It was a total lie, but it got him into office. If the Republican candidate has to soft shoe conservatism a little to get elected, I won't be offended....especially if it keep Hillary out of the WH.