Let’s make one thing clear – there’s nothing “conservative” about racism and anti-Semitism, they are immoral perversions, not concepts that have any place in political discourse, especially conservative political discourse.
I agree. But a given racist can otherwise hold conservative political opinions with which I agree.
BTW, I think this point doesn't get enough play. Racism and anti-semitism are inherently in conflict with the principles true American conservatism is trying to conserve.
That racists in America have often (usually) otherwise held conservative beliefs doesn't change that fact.
My memory says that even the KKK was an arm of the democratic party, that the democrats favor socialist solutions, that Nazism is socialist, and that socialists ultimately have nothing in common with freedom loving people.
As we look throughout the history of race in America, those favoring the subjugation of others are invariably democrats.
“But a given racist can otherwise hold conservative political opinions with which I agree.”
Yes, and remember, at that time Duke and his cronies were trying to infiltrate the Louisiana Republican party, so they were adopting stances (at least publicly) that were very close to standard Republican stances, and shying away from their crazier rhetoric.