Young Conservatives Are Rejecting the Old Order

A rising generation of Repulican operatives are hoping to woo a demographic more in thrall to Democrats

A new generation of conservative politicos are breaking ranks with their elders, Buzzfeed informs us, and they're blaming fuddy duddy social attitudes and a lack of tech know-how to explain a big part of their defection.

A group of spokespeople for said generation, who chose to remain largely anonymous so not to offend the party donors who are the very target of their criticism, told BF's Zeke Miller that "Campaigns are a young person's business now more than ever." They also stressed that social media was a crucial part of Obama's re-election - and that conservatives better get with it: "Facebook and Twitter were not factors in the last campaign, and they were the biggest factor in this one."

The Republican establishment's views on gay marriage and immigration also serves to disadvantage the GOP going forward, they say. Miller ascribes this attitude to the youthful Republicans' "libertarian idealism," which also manifests, in some cases, in even more extreme limited government views than those held by their older counterparts.

This small government mindset, however, could work to serve against winning over Hispanics, who are perhaps wrongly assumed to be a group especially animated by the immigration issue. As Heather Mac Donald points out at National Review, a 2011 poll of Californians found that Hispanic voters were more turned off by Republican economic policies than by the party's stance on immigration.

Via Buzzfeed and National Review.

Are these younger conservatives superior to what came before them?

[PNWest]

If you don't clean up your yard well you can step in stuff that is superior to what came before these kids.

[martydotcom]

Aren't they a nice lily white group.

[LetsAllBeHappy]

@martydotcom good gracious-what a thing to say-should I apoligize because I am white also-what a horrible thing to say

[Penn1699]

@martydotcom hate is hate

[Penn1699]

@LetsAllBeHappy I apologize that my ancestors fought to give us liberty and freedom and this is how we are now paid back:(

[martydotcom]

@LetsAllBeHappy Get real, why did the GOP lose ? the party lost every demographic and this charming group of young people is not representative of America or a coalition that could win a national election. Thanks for the giggle I haven't heard or seen anyone say "good gracious" since my grandmother passed 40 yrs ago

[Keyjo]

They are 21st century Conservatives.
It occurs to me that the old school Republicans like Goldwater, Hatfield, Eisenhower, Teddy Roosevelt, were intelligent, informed, compassionate, just, had integrity. And while there are a few still residing in the G.O.P., the majority of the current members are out of touch and lack aforementioned qualities. It's heartening to see the nee crop is poised to incorporate the best of the old school with the best of the New technology and thinking. The Troglodytes need to step aside and. wither away.

[Stop_Whining]

These are the same stooges that stand outside of abortion clinics, and scream bible verses at the top of their lungs. I doubt that they will be filling the shoes of men like Roosevelt any time soon.

[Keyjo]

@Stop_Whining
I'm talking about this younger generation of Republicans. The ones who are about to step up to the plate. They have more important things in mind than abortion and marriage issues.

[Stop_Whining]

@Keyjo

Go to an abortion clinic in just about any major city. You will see gaggles of young, 16-23 year old screamers, trying to berate poor women as they make some of the hardest decisions they will ever make.

I wish that what you say is true, but the money corrupts those who place such a high value upon it. Be they young or old.

And what their major sponsors seem to care about, and are therefore more apt to donate in the attacking of, are abortion and marriage issues.

[Keyjo]

@Stop_Whining
I think most young abortion protesters are those who have been brainwashed by the evangelical preachers and Tea Party ignoramuses. Those kids are mindless sheep, followers. They are not the future leaders, planners, winners.

[marine1]

I think you might be right. Most households function in a conservative relm. They have kids to raise,obligations to meet and MOST feel a need to set a positive example for their kids. That being said, i think that the example being displayed by todays republicans insults the integrity and intelligents of responsible youth and if they are to retain a conservative value, they see a need to change the party and bring it into the 21st century. I think they might be right.

[Stop_Whining]

disillusioned, misled, uninformed, and bullied by their dangerously overbearing parents.

Not not better. Just deserving of more pity, and a stronger effort to give these kids a life free from religious education.

[1hardcorerepub]

Democrat compromise at its finest

[Stop_Whining]

@1hardcorerepub

Simple, provable, truth.

[RobertJHarsh]

“We have to do a better job of appealing to women, minorities, and young people,” There is only ONE way to do that...the GOP must kick out the Christians. It's the only way. And to be honest, that would be doing the party a favor. I happen to personally believe the religion in all forms are the signal greatest threat to the continued existence to the human race.

[PNWest]

They need to kick out the racists too. But something tells me that they are just going to keep moving to the right.

[Stop_Whining]

More specifically, kick out the Evangelical cartel that has been funding the downward spiral of this party for years.

Even then, the restoration of their shattered dignity is doubtful, even in the most optimistic circumstances.

[RobertJHarsh]

@PNWest Unfortunately racism is American as baseball and apple pie, and you know it. Limbaugh was correct today in his rant because he knows from history what happens to the group that was the majority that becomes the minority in any society. Payback happens and it happens usually swift and painfully when it takes off. Since the US has recognized the fact whites will be a minority, laws need to be put on the books to ensure protection and a voice in government. There also needs to be a substantial in ramp up for education for blacks and hispanics. Why? Because if you look at countries like South Africa and Zimbabwe, when the minority whites were replaced in SA and kicked out of Zim the remaining blacks lacked the education to maintain the first world economies both used to be. Both those countries are now third world. Since whites have traditionally suppressed education and job access from blacks and hispanics in the US and it is critical these two groups are educated to make sure the US maintains its first-world economy once the white die off comes full circle near 2100...which is only 88 very short years away.

[Angela]

Jesus is the answer for the world today above him there is no other Jesus is the way🙏 He loves you👈

[MRMacrum]

@RobertJHarsh "Since the US has recognized the fact whites will be a minority, laws need to be put on the books to ensure protection"

Wasn't that taken care of in the Civil Rights act of 1964. I do't remember any wording that mentioned a specific race. Just any race. But maybe us white folk feel somehow we are owed special consideration when the shoe is finally on the other foot.

[David944]

Like I said before not enough goodies.

[Fishbone345]

Do you have anything else to add to convo's, or are you going to beat this horse till its a pile of goo?

[David944]

@Fishbone345 I have always heard Mexicans are hard workers you would think they would excel l in a free market, reaping the benefits of their own hard work. As I understand it Mexico has very little in the way of welfare.

[Fishbone345]

@David944 Uh huh, I was just commenting on the fact you keep re-stating your overused tired line. Hoping to see you add something meaningful to the convo's on this site.

[Stop_Whining]

The one thing that can be said in defense of these young folks, is that they have become wise to the political and financial manipulation of Israeli funded PACS, most notably AIPAC.

If they stick to Ron Paul values, while rejecting there parties idea of a Christian America, I may one day end up voting for one of these pups.

[Fishbone345]

"If they stick to Ron Paul values, while rejecting there parties idea of a Christian America, I may one day end up voting for one of these pups. "
Personally, I'd like to see them break off from the GOP and the Libertarians become a legitimate Third Party option. I wish Ron Paul and Gary Johnson would start this movement. I think the only reason Ron Paul hasn't is because of the money the GOP has. Anyone wishing a legitimate run at the Presidency, can't do it without cash.
Money buys the White House. Fact.

[Stop_Whining]

@Fishbone345

Indeed. I could not agree with you more. They would pose an enormous threat to both parties, which would force both of them towards the center to stem the rising tide.

Even in loosing, such a party would provide a great political benefit to our nation.

[Fishbone345]

@Stop_Whining There is no doubt of that. I would have loved to see Gary Johnson invited to the debates. But, I can guarantee you that the reason he wasn't is because of what you just said. The two parties know that, and will do anything to stop it and keep their stranglehold on American politics.

[Phreakwars]

@Fishbone345 If money buys the White House, what was Romney's excuse? He totally outspent Obama BIG TIME. If anything, I think it can be said all the money in the world can't buy a person's conscience. And people's conscience told them NO WAY, NO HOW do we need another damn Republican in there to muck up the country again, not when we have come so far. If Republicans want back in, it's gonna take more then younger kids who know how to tweet. It's gonna take accepting people's individual rights, not taking them away and calling yourself a champion of freedom because you force them to believe what you do and they comply. But alas... I am doubtful the GOP will ever "GET IT".

[Fishbone345]

@Phreakwars You are naive if you think Obama didn't have money himself.
Money buys the White House. Democrats had less than the Republicans, but they still had plenty.

[Dotjones]

Some of them look pretty young, maybe their minds haven't grown totally closed yet.

[MRMacrum]

The rumor I heard is they have their Brain stems cauterized around age 8. Saves all that pain and anguish of trying to keep control when they are teens. Just a rumor mind you. Don't tell Fox News.

[Dotjones]

@MRMacrum I knew they looked familiar, it's the Stepford kids.

[ProudLiberal]

Hopefully they will be more of a saviour than what came before them.

[Dotjones]

@ProudLiberal I would like to think so, but if they are already trying to deny the rights of others by intimidating women at abortion clinics. Who are already dealing with a major life crises, then they will need reality check therapy before they can hope to understand that it's ok not to agree with the rich.

[ProudLiberal]

@Dotjones Maybe because it's easier to get them while they're young.

[Sonny]

If they are "rejecting the old order"...Then why are they posing with mitt? He IS the old order! "Conservatives" you just gotta luv em...Some day, they will figure out which end is "up"...But, unfortunately, not today.

[Fishbone345]

I thought that was a nice picture of respectable young adults, until I got to the middle and saw the "Other Choice" there.
Poor kids. That stink won't just wash off in a day.

[Sonny]

@Fishbone345 So true, bone...so true!

[DARSB]

I entirely disagree with their assessment of social media's role in 2008. The Dems had a large Twitter presence and the Obama campaign was a pioneer in using text messaging.

But even in 2012 Republicans failed in cyberspace. I was an early adopter of the Romney campaign's VP app, which was supposed to make me one of the "first to know" who the running mate was. But news of Ryan's pick hit Twitter on Friday night while the app didn't get the news until Saturday afternoon.

More crucially, the Romney ORCA app, which was supposed to help with the get out the vote effort on election day, was rolled out hastily and functioned poorly. A better ground game wouldn't have changed the outcome, but it might have made the defeat a little less humiliating. http://goo.gl/j2F7I

[martydotcom]

Nothing better than a story based upon totally unbiased "Fair and Balanced" news sources like National Review and buzzfeed. Right wing Kool Aid drivel.
Facebook & Twitter won the election, how sophomoric can you get ?
The candidate, the message and the campaign organization won. Stick with the GOP lilly white religious fanatic thinking and they'll get blown out nationally again.

[tomincali]

what came before these kids was a sense of honor and respect for the country,where crime was crime and looked down on. what we have now just about any crime is fine and dandy as long as it pays them. doesn't seem too conserv to me and taints the name.

[CitizenX]

When the RWNJs run Megan McCain for office, I as a Liberal will be concerned.

[jessejaymes]

I'd vote for Megan McCain before I'd vote for Bristol Palin.

[DARSB]

@jessejaymes I like Meghan - she irritates the right people.

[CitizenX]

@DARSB I'm not looking for the irritation factor, but she understands the fact that society changes over time. The republican party has to realize that society changes whether they want it to or not.

[DARSB]

@CitizenX You are correct, I was colloquial (and probably a little too cute, too).

[David944]

I myself have never been totally against immigration reform or gay mirage I just would not vote for socialism to support those issues. But if we have to destroy America with more entitlements to get the vote what’s the point.

[DARSB]

Good dawg, another one. "Noun-verb-goodies."

[David944]

@DARSB Ya public school education.

[Lpguy]

Its too late for conservatives, young and old alike, their views on social issues will not change enough and their action on spending, liberty, and war is as bad as the democrats. liberty is loosing - romney wouldnt have helped, and obama certainly will not help.

[Stop_Whining]

The educated man could poke numerous holes in your broad statement.

[David944]

I hear Herman Cain wants to start a new party.

[Lpguy]

@Stop_Whining an educated man would have provided examples and reason, had he made your claim. Come on now, this isnt an essay space, its a small area to to briefly weigh in on issues. my "opinion" on this thread is to demonstrate my disagreement with conservatives, and the major alternative. There are no holes to poke whatsoever in my statement because its a statement of disgust.

[Lpguy]

@David944 Hermain Cain can start one by himself. I don't need no georgia 9... 9... 9... Plan lol

[David944]

@Lpguy I voted for Cain in the primary. That was before the liberals tried to round him back up to the plantation.

[jessejaymes]

As an old time textbook conservative I say this. The GOP is not conservative in any way shape or form today. Most of the deficit is because of Reagan and Both Bush's spending plus interest. A conservative would never go to war in Iraq over what Bush went for. We would be too cautious and tight with our money already fighting one way. A conservative wouldn't waste all that money being spent on the border to keep out Marijuana when the majority favors repeal anyhow. A conservative would fine corporations a million dollars for each illegal found working for them. A conservative wouldn't spend billions in taxpayer dollars to fight abortion since a real conservative would know that the majority of people having abortions are liberals. Why stop them from lowering their future base? A Conservative would not spend billions trying to put religious monuments on public property. It's too expensive for the return possible. A conservative would not spend 30 million to continue refurbishing a single Abrams tank when we have more than 5,000 already refurbished sitting idle. How many frigging tanks could you possibly need?

A conservative would support campaign finance reform so the very best brightest of our conservatives have a chance to shine in politics with real conservative answers.

No, the GOP today are not conservatives. They are the American Christian Taliban Lunatic fringe. They have started a religious war. All that's missing now is cutting off heads. And as expected since the Bible belt doesn't value education and is the least educated of all America, the Thumpers are doing the bidding of the ultra rich while the same rich take everything they have from them. You right wing Bible Belt just don't get it. It's cheaper to put people on welfare than it is to allow them a piece of the pie.

I'm a conservative. The GOP are not the party of Lincoln any longer. They are the party of the religious zealot lunatic fringe being manipulated by the ultra rich. And the dumbing down of America marches on.

[kirbstomp1]

Well played

[Dotjones]

I'm glad someone else thinks this as well. Both parties have changed dramatically over the years, and the Republicans are almost unrecognizable Everything you said about conservatives is true. I agree the party has been hijacked by a group with it's own agenda. This group reminds me of a bunch of old time Dixiecrats trying to justify deplorable behavior

[jessejaymes]

@Dotjones That's exactly who they are. EXACTLY. Well said.

[hertz_doughnut]

When the waves of insanity pass through the sea of humanity like a buoy be tethered to your position son as many lives may depend on your guidance to prevent catastrophe upon the reef. I think I might change my chat name to buoy_b if someone doesn't beat me to it

[Romney_Rube]

It looks like Romney posing with yesteryear's 4H club.

[AtheistStand]

This would have held more validity if they would have started 2 years ago.

I feel like its just the right saying what they think people want to hear.

It doesn't work on me.

[kathyparsell]

It remains to be seen...are they going to stay out of my womb?

[MongoAPillager]

Are these younger conservatives superior to what came before them?looks to me like they stand for very little,lets not take any kind of stance that would offend anyone,lets just join the herd of status quo. oh to be so enlightened and evolved.(shaking head in disgust)

[TheViper]

Lily white crackers. Each and everyone of them. They are one segment of the populous in America. If you look at Mitler's rallys there is NO diversity if you look at Obama's rallys there is a cross section of ALL of America.