I've been to a couple Conservative services. One was very much into political correctness (IIRC, even the prayer book made a point of being "gender neutral" or something?), while at the other, in Key West, the Rabbi was openly critical of President Clinton during the sermon, which was pleasant.
My understanding is that the Conservative movement was started by people who, in an effort to return to at least some tradition, broke away from Reform Judaism. However, they were not prepared to return to what is now referred to as Orthodox.
"My understanding is that the Conservative movement was started by people who, in an effort to return to at least some tradition, broke away from Reform Judaism. However, they were not prepared to return to what is now referred to as Orthodox"
That's precisely what it's about. The problem is, these days it's drifting back towards Reform and has ceased being distinct. Its role has been usurped or replaced by the Modern Orthodox movement.