Conservativism can't be said to be defeated as long as the front runners for the Republican nomination are all quoting Ronald Reagan and claiming to be carrying his mantle. John McCain said that his victory last night is proof that he is the only true conservative in the race.
If conservatism really WAS dead, they would all be running away from that label as fast as they can.
McCain got very little of the conservative vote, however. Most conservatives (65%) gave their vote to Romney.
I hope you are correct. I agree that as long as the USA has freedom of speech, tyranny is impossible. My worry is that the Leftards like the Hildabeast will end freedom of speech.