DO: I have to disagree with you a bit on that. If DT is selling conservatism it sure isn’t the movement conservatism we’re used to. I’d sooner term it “nationalism.” That’s fine by me. It’s been a looooong time since any political candidate anywhere on the political spectrum has made American exceptionalism a core part of their campaign.
Bigger picture: those right/left labels seem to be outliving their usefulness. It seems more globalism versus nationalism as the big issue in politics these days.
In this sense, Trump superficially resembles Ross Perot and Pat Buchanan. The difference is that whether you liked them or not, Perot and Buchanan seemed sincere in their beliefs and convictions. They were activists on behalf of their pet causes long before they ran for President.
In contrast, why didn't Trump use his billions or his media connections years ago as a bully pulpit to fight open borders and multiculturalism? Why are we hearing this for the first time from him now, when he was basically saying the opposite just a few years ago?
As I said previously, it's the right message from the wrong messenger.
I agree there is a strong nationalist tone to his comments, but look at the slide of our nation. We need a guy like that to rally people to the defense of the nation again.
Reagan was a nationalist. He was our cheerleader too. Trump goes about it in a less controlled manner, but it’s the same thing considering differing personalities.
1. immigration
His solution to this is a Conservative one. It advocates we enforce the laws on the books. He advocate sending them back, and letting them go through the process.
2. education
He advocates for eliminating common core. He advocates for returning education to local communities.
3. our national debt
He advocates for getting our spending under control and stopping the grown in deficit spending. He does not want to see the nation debt rise. He sees that as a danger.
4. Taxes
He advocates for a flat or graduated tax. He has consulted with tax specialists that we respect, and wants to simplify as well as reduce taxes for most people.
5. Obamacare
He advocates a robust private sector provision of insurance. He wants to do away with state line restrictions and let insurance companies compete nationwide. He thinks that will spur competition impacting rates downward and an increase in the variety of policies available.
6. Military
He believes our military his hollowed out. He wants to rebuild it. He also thinks our veterans ore getting treated unfairly, and he wants to change that.
7. Jobs
He thinks lopsided trade agreements are partly to blame for a loss of jobs. He wants to correct that.
He wants to address trade policy so that jobs come back to the U. S. In some instances he favors tariffs if other nations are gaming the situation. China does this.
He sounds as if he plans to address welfare too.
8. international agreements
He seems convinced we get the short end of the stick most of the time these days. I find it hard to disagree. He wants better deals.
These aren’t Leftist policies.