I've always been a staunch Reagan-style Republican but Republican does not necessarily equal conservative. I know you know that, so I'm not pointing that out to accuse you, Norwaypinesavage!
Conservatives should remember that before Reagan, not all Republicans were conservative. Some in fact were liberal: Nelson Rockefeller, for example, who was Vice President from 1975-76, was one. It took the Reagan Revolution to turn the party into a conservative one.
However, that didn't mean the liberals in the party just disappeared. Many run now claiming conservative ideals and principles, but vote otherwise.
Still, as the Republicans turned conservative and lately--what are they?--the democrats have gone full-blown socialist Marxist.
The media, of course, has been the real steersman for all this. Sometimes I wonder, with homosexuals making up at most 3% of the country, what is the percentage of homosexuals in the media?
Growing up in OK with parents from NYC, I remember the term “Rockefeller Republicans” that my parents and grand parents used. They were also bitter over the FDR years.
It seems today many conservatives are finally reaching that level of disdain. I do think we are experiencing the end of go along to get along attitude among conservative voters. I can only hope and pray it’s so.
Given the clout they have had recently, I think it must be about 130%
BTW, the only Executive Branch officer I have ever seen in person was Rockefeller. In my defense, though, he was speaker at a conference I attended for a reason different from his speech.
That happened briefly while Ronald Reagan was President and leader of the party. It also helped that there are no more conservatives who are also Democrats, like Scoop Jackson. Those conservatives now appear to be all Republicans.
BUT, as John Boehner clearly illustrates, the majority of Republicans are not conservatives, as you and I understand that term. If they were, John Boehner could not sustain as Speaker; he would be run out or at least quietly told he needs to step down as Speaker because he is embarrassing the party.
As long as Boehner, McConnell and the rest of the "Leadership" allows the media to bad-mouth the Tea Party and let Obama set the agenda, it is pretty clear that the Republicans treat Conservatives the same way Democrats treat Blacks; thanks for the votes now go sit down and let us do whatever we want, whether it is what you want in the first place.