Thanks mojito.
The root of the problem (Frum's confusion and resulting poorly argued articles and positions -JB), I think, is that Frums analysis of conservatisms dilemma in 2008 has served him poorly. Frums ostensible purpose is to build a conservatism that can win again. But we already won, and did so by taking a very different route than that recommended by Frum.
A look at Frums 2008 book Comeback helps to measure the distance weve traveled in two years. In Comeback, Frum warns against reviving a more principled Reagan-style conservatism as the Tea Party has just done, with great success. Most Americans [want] the federal government to spend more rather than tax less, said Frum in 2008. On issues like health care and the environment, Frum declared, conservatives find themselves on the less popular side of the great issues of the day. I rule the article a TKO in the second round to the victor, Kurtz!