Category Archives: conservatism

Putin-philia on the American Right

Posted on July 29, 2017 by politicaloptic

Trump’s adoration for Putin is not an anomaly in today’s American politics. Such at least is the gist of Jeremy Peters’ recent article in the New York Times , which shows that figures on the American right have been lauding … Continue reading →

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Why the Left Excels at Political Humor and the Right Not So Much

Posted on June 25, 2017 by politicaloptic

It is almost a cliché that political humor is owned by the left. One can’t help but be bowled over by the number of liberal-leaning comedians sucking up oxygen on the airwaves. For a long while it was people like … Continue reading →

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The Republican Party Will Never Be the Same after Trump

Posted on May 30, 2016 by politicaloptic

It will be a while before Republicans truly come to grips with a Trump-dominated party. So far leaders are trying to view his upcoming nomination in the old manner, still convinced he can fit a recognizably Republican mold. RNC Chairman Priebus is bravely … Continue reading →

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What Trump Hath Wrought: Mobs versus Elites in the GOP

Posted on December 26, 2015 by politicaloptic

The Republican higher-ups can hardly contain their horror and dismay. Enfant terrible Donald Trump, by embracing chauvinistic populism and garnering popular support in the race for the GOP nomination, has thrown “their” party into chaos. He has sucked up the available oxygen and left his … Continue reading →

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Pope Francis’ Views on a Favorite Target of Culture Warriors: Secularism

Posted on September 27, 2013 by politicaloptic

Pope Francis’ recent statements urging restraint by the Catholic Church on hot-button issues is a hopeful sign that he may be looking to modify the Church’s behavior in the political sphere.  His words are likely a reaction to the hierarchy’s … Continue reading →

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Paul Ryan and the Fusion of Fiscal and Social Conservatism

Posted on August 16, 2012 by politicaloptic

Paul Ryan needs no introduction as a fiscal conservative. The chairman of the Budget Committee in the House and the author of several controversial budget plans, Ryan has long been a guiding light for government-allergic libertarians. Less well known but … Continue reading →

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