Irving Kristol on Republicans Losing

A familiar story.

“That’s the real trouble with the Republican Party: it loses even when it wins. Whereas the Democratic left is frustrated because its ideals are inherently unrealizable, Republican conservatives are frustrated because their party has not been able, over these past decades, to articulate any coherent set of ideals and to suggest a strategy for achieving them. The Republican Party has functioned primarily as a critic of Democratic efforts.”

-Irving Kristol, Two Cheers for Capitalism, p. 118

Admittedly, Irving Kristol published Two Cheers for Capitalism before Ronald Reagan became president. However, modern conservatives may still find themselves nodding along to the above quotation. The more things change, the more they stay the same. 

If you haven’t read my review of Two Cheers for Capitalism, please check it out.

-Ben

The Daily Saucer is our place for freelance contributors and editorial staff to offer short takes on the news cycle, quick observations on the issues, and brief thoughts on broader topics. The views offered in this space reflect only the personal views of the authors.

The Freemen News-Letter is an online media publication effort of the Freemen Foundation, a non-profit effort to conserve and renew American constitutionalism. Please consider a donation to our efforts.