Quote:
Originally posted by irateplatypus
Sure, Bush is a republican... but he is no conservative. I'm puzzled why his detractors call him a right wing extremist. His defense policy is hawkish, but overall he is very moderate. (increased government size/spending, prescription drugs, education spending.... etc.)
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uh, what? how do you define conservative?
i'd say the degree to which bush pushes faith-based initiatives and opposes secular civil rights automatically excludes him from any moderate label.
it is generally considered that nixon and ford were moderate republicans, and that reagan's election was the return of real conservativism to the white house. the elder bush was considered less conservative than reagan when he ran against him before joining him as vp and his own presidency was more moderate. his son has so far shown himself to be far more conservative than all of them, compassionate or not.