Yeah, but if Goldwater had any hopes for power later in life would he have become a right-wing social activist? If Ronald Reagan had died before taking office in 1980, he might well be remembered as a gay rights champion, at least in California where I believe he worked with Harvey Milk to pass a law protecting the jobs of openly gay teachers and other public servants.
The reality of republican politics leaves no room for old-time conservatives. We'll see what shape the social right-wing is in once this Foley thing plays out, but for now I don't see any important changes coming.
W.W.E.D.?
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