And one that has been completely trashed by the political "elite" including Bush, McCain, and many many others.
Whether we like it or not, when most people hear the word "conservative," they are going to think of people like Bush, not people like Reagan or Goldwater. Bush has effectively "defined" conservatism as being the philosophy of big government.
Liberals are for big govt too and proud of it. The difference is Republicans are for big stupid govt.
>>>>>>Whether we like it or not, when most people hear the word “conservative,” they are going to think of people like Bush<<<<
Not much to say except “I disagree”.
Calling conservatism a “brand” falls right into the MSM trap of treating our political philosophy as some sort of marketing gimmick and as something that is “sold”.
Bush and McCain are not even close to being representatives of conservatism.
Nope. Whether YOU like it or not, when most people hear the word "conservative," they think of Televangelists telling them how to vote about gay marriage; people who come unhinged on the matter of illegal immigration; Newt Gingrich getting caught with his pants down; and a whole host of smug politicians who couldn't be bothered to actually explain their principles.
Politics is very much a game of perceptions, and conservatives are often seen as narrow, unpleasant, and unreasonable. You can't blame that on Mr. Bush.
Don't cast the blame any farther than you can reach, FRiend -- the blame is yours. (And mine....)