The right, All Along: A Deep Dive into the History of American Conservatism
For six decades, conservatism has been a defining force in American politics, shaping policy, sparking debate, and ultimately, changing the world. But its journey hasn’t been a straight line to power. It’s a story of setbacks, strategic shifts, and the unwavering dedication of a diverse group of thinkers and activists. This article provides a comprehensive overview of “The Right, All Along: The Rise, Fall & Future of Conservatism,” a compelling six-part series from Fox news reporting, hosted by veteran journalist Brit Hume.
This series isn’t just a recounting of events; it’s an inside story, told through rare footage and over 75 exclusive interviews wiht the individuals who lived it. From intellectual giants to political strategists, the voices shaping conservatism’s trajectory are front and center. We’ll break down each episode,offering a glimpse into the key moments and figures that defined this powerful movement.
From the Margins to Mainstream: The Early Years (“Right from the Start”) – November 7th
The series begins with “right from the Start,” laying the foundation for understanding the origins of modern American conservatism. It explores the initial gathering of minds who, in the mid-20th century, began to articulate a distinct political ideology – one emphasizing individual liberty, limited government, and traditional values.
This wasn’t a movement born of immediate success. Early conservatives faced an uphill battle against the prevailing liberal consensus. The episode highlights the intellectual groundwork laid by figures who would become cornerstones of the movement, setting the stage for the challenges and triumphs to come.
Rebuilding After Goldwater (“A Time for Choosing”) - November 14th
The 1964 presidential election was a watershed moment.Barry Goldwater‘s resounding defeat felt like a crushing blow to the burgeoning conservative movement. “A Time for Choosing” details the aftermath, focusing on how conservatives regrouped and began to rebuild.
This episode showcases the emergence of Ronald Reagan, transitioning from Hollywood icon to a powerful voice in conservative politics. His ability to connect with audiences and articulate a compelling vision for America was remarkable. we also see William F. Buckley Jr., founder of National Review, venturing into the political arena with a mayoral run in New York City.
However, the episode doesn’t shy away from the complexities. The election of Richard Nixon, despite initial hopes, revealed a disconnect between rhetoric and reality, as he often deviated from core conservative principles.
Navigating Watergate and the Rise of the New Right (“Path to Power”) – November 21st
The Watergate scandal presented a profound crisis for the conservative movement.”Path to Power” examines how conservatives navigated this turbulent period, ultimately reshaping their strategy and broadening their appeal.
This episode delves into the 1976 Republican primary battle between Ronald Reagan and incumbent Gerald Ford – a pivotal moment that exposed deep divisions within the party. Crucially, it highlights the growing influence of Christian conservatives on the national political stage, and the captivating ideological journey of the neoconservatives, shifting their political allegiances.
The episode culminates in Reagan’s successful 1980 presidential campaign, marking a turning point where an unapologetically conservative candidate reached the highest office in the land.
The Reagan Revolution and Beyond (November 28th – December 12th)
The remaining episodes – “Reagan’s Resolve,” “Passing the Torch,” and “The Way Forward” – explore the impact of the Reagan presidency, the challenges of maintaining momentum in the post-Reagan era, and the future of conservatism in a rapidly changing political landscape.
These episodes feature insights from key figures like Dick Cheney, Pat Robertson, Donald Rumsfeld, Henry Kissinger, Phyllis Schlafly, Rush Limbaugh, George W. Bush,and many others. They offer a nuanced outlook on the victories and defeats, the internal debates, and the evolving identity of the conservative movement.
Where to Watch:
You can explore preview clips and full episodes of “The right, All Along: The Rise, Fall & Future of Conservatism” on the Fox News website:
* Series Preview: http://video.foxnews.com/v/4404662/
* “A Time for Choosing” Preview: [http://videofoxnewscom/v/441495[http://videofoxnewscom/v/441495[http://videofoxnewscom/v/441495[http://videofoxnewscom/v/441495