David Frum: ‘I have to recognize that my views are not very representative of the conservative mainstream.’
David Frum parts ways with most of the current conservative mainstream:
As readers of this site have no doubt noticed, I’m not one who is greatly troubled by hostile criticism.
On the other hand, sometimes the critics make a valid point. When they do, I’m not too obstinate to concede.
For years, I’ve shared the Marketplace airwaves with former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich. We recorded commentaries, point counter-point, alternate weeks on business and economic issues. The intent was for Bob to represent the left, and for me to represent the right.
Over the past three years, this format has put me into some awkward positions.
So long as the topic is “green jobs” or NLRB regulations or immigration, my thinking aligns reasonably congruently with the current conservative consensus.
But on the issues that today most passionately divide Americans – healthcare reform, monetary policy, social spending to aid the unemployed, and – soon – the American response to the euro crisis, I have to recognize that my views are not very representative of the conservative mainstream.
The comments at that article are very interesting. It’s hard to tell which side of the spectrum some of his commenters would identify with, but I picked a couple of comments to showcase here that could have been written by me:
Saladdin // Oct 12, 2011 at 2:43 pm
David, I applaud your idea and as others have said, it is the classy thing to do. However, one point is that you are currently in the mainstream of thought. Most people tend to be center-right as you are currently. The Dems have moved towards the center and the GOP has lurched rightwards, so the center isn’t where it used to be, therefore your voice would be an important one in the current discussions.
takvar // Oct 12, 2011 at 2:56 pm
You no longer represent the conservative mainstream on these topics because the current mainstream is not interested in governing. The mainstream, instead, is obsessed with ideological purity, and rejects even the most reasonable notions of conservative governance. Your not representing the mainstream is merely a sign of the times of a radical right wing. Resigning your position merely encourages the radicals that are destroying the GOP’s viability as a party of governance.