Brilliant!
It is this that is the root of the Reagan Coalition.
Reagan said that the vast majority of Americans are conservative, and he was right.
Reagan said that the various factions of Conservatism belong together, and need each other, not only for voting purposes, but because all of the conservative ideologies are interdependent, and require each the others- AND HE WAS RIGHT.
It goes against the spirit of the Reagan Coalition to vote for a candidate who is a defcon, but not a socon or ficon too. None should be made to hold their nose. No faction should be forced to submit to the others.
It is only when we are equally in favor of (or opposed to) a candidate that any of us have power for change. But when we do unite, that power is insurmountable!
It is when we are united that the truth is revealed, and it peals like a bell across the breadth of the land. Patriots rise up, and the enemies of America (both foreign and domestic) cringe in fear.
It is highly important that we stress the meaning of Conservatism, by definition and description. We have to preach it all the time, as many now entering tis forum haven't a clue what rock ribbed Conservatism is, having only been exposed to the "big (circus) tent".
Reagan himself supported Republican candidates who were not allies on all issues. He supported pro-choice candidates.
Reagan said that the various factions of Conservatism belong together, and need each other, not only for voting purposes, but because all of the conservative ideologies are interdependent, and require each the others- AND HE WAS RIGHT.
Yes, but the whole point is that it *IS* a coalition. A coalition and a cult are two different things. We cannot expect everyone to have the same view.you say:
It is when we are united that the truth is revealed - okay, but uniting means coming together. If we are going to unite fiscal, national security and social conservatives, we cannot force members of that coalition to adopt 100% the same views, or the coalition would break down. As you say - "No faction should be forced to submit to the others." Just as others should not force us to submit, we cannot force them to submit. The way out? Recognize that we need to support eachother without giving up on our ideals.
Reagan knew that. That is why he threw himself behind Ford, that is why he was willing to put Bush as his VP. that is why he campaigned for moderate Republicans, etc. if this is a 'what would Reagan do' question, then the answer is to do what Reagan did in 1976 after the primary was over - he endorsed the Republican nominee and worked hard to get him elected.