The Daily Signal The Daily Signal Presents “The “Signal Sitdown - The Communist Who Invented Modern Conservatism with Daniel Flynn
Aug 23, 2025
Daniel Flynn, a Hoover Institute fellow and senior editor of 'The American Spectator,' delves into the fascinating journey of Frank S. Meyer, a pivotal yet underrated figure in modern conservatism. They discuss Meyer’s transformation from a communist to a conservative thinker and his creation of fusionism, which united traditionalists and libertarians. Flynn also shares insights from his extensive research for Meyer's biography, highlighting the challenges of archival work and the vibrant charisma that made Meyer a compelling leader in the conservative movement.
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From Communist Organizer To Fusionist Founder
- Frank Meyer transformed from a communist organizer into the intellectual founder of fusionist conservatism.
- His organizing energy and charisma carried from Oxford communism into conservative institutions like National Review.
Oxford Organizer Under Surveillance
- Meyer built Oxford's October Club and grew student communism from zero to hundreds.
- British intelligence tracked his clothes, bars, and even his bank, showing how central he was to the movement.
Turning Witness In The Smith Act Trial
- After deportation and U.S. Communist work, Meyer broke with the party and testified in the 1949 Smith Act trial.
- His testimony helped send key Communist leaders to jail and marked his public anti-communist turn.
