The Mona Charen Show Conservatism RIP?
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May 26, 2025 
Jay Nordlinger, an American journalist and senior editor of National Review, discusses the fate of conservatism in the era of MAGA. He shares insights from his background and personal journey, critiquing the Republican Party's shift away from traditional values. The conversation also explores America’s military actions, the complexities of federalism versus state governance, and the role of capitalism in freedom and democracy. Highlighting selective human rights activism, Nordlinger emphasizes the need for credible political discourse in today’s divided landscape.
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Roots of Nordlinger's Conservatism
- Jay Nordlinger cherished American ideals like the Constitution, rule of law, and the fight against communism.
- He admired heroes like Andrei Sakharov and dissidents like Armando Valladares who inspired his anti-communist stance.
Family History Shapes Patriotism
- Mona Charen remembered a childhood shaped by her family's refugee experience from anti-Semitic violence.
- That history deeply influenced her patriotic conservatism and view of America's fragility and need for constant care.
Populism's Impact on Conservatism
- Many people were vulnerable to populism, allowing demagogues to rise within the Republican Party.
- Conservatism as a philosophy remained steady, but many followers shifted toward populism and lost core conservative values.
