The story of American conservatism, a movement that reshaped the nation’s political landscape, is one of evolving ideologies, internal struggles, and surprising resilience. A new six-part documentary series, “The Right, All Along: The Rise Fall & Future of Conservatism,” examines this history, from its mid-20th century origins through the complexities of the post-9/11 era. The final installment, “The Way Forward,” airs December 12th and focuses on the period from 2001 to the present, a time marked by the presidency of George W. Bush, the rise of Barack Obama, and the emergence of new voices within the conservative movement.
The series, hosted by Brit Hume, draws on rare footage and interviews with key figures, including Dick Cheney, Newt Gingrich, Donald Rumsfeld, Glenn Beck, and Karl Rove, offering an inside look at the debates and turning points that defined conservatism over the last six decades. The documentary’s exploration of this period reveals a movement grappling with the challenges of a changing world, and the internal tensions that arose as it navigated the complexities of the 21st century. Understanding this evolution is crucial to grasping the current state of American political discourse and the ongoing debates surrounding conservative principles.
The early years of the 21st century presented immediate challenges for the conservative movement. The September 11th terrorist attacks and the subsequent “War on Terror” initiated under President George W. Bush sparked disagreements within the party. Whereas there was broad support for military action against al-Qaeda and the Taliban, divisions emerged over the scope of the war, the cost in both lives and resources, and the impact on civil liberties. The Bush administration’s domestic spending policies, particularly the expansion of Medicare, too drew criticism from fiscal conservatives who advocated for limited government intervention. These internal debates, as highlighted in the series, demonstrate the inherent tensions within a broad ideological movement.
The Bush Years and Emerging Divisions
The presidency of George W. Bush, while initially uniting many conservatives around a common purpose, ultimately exposed fault lines within the movement. The war in Iraq, launched in 2003, proved particularly divisive. The financial crisis of 2008, which unfolded during the final months of the Bush administration, further fueled discontent, with some conservatives questioning the role of deregulation and government policies in contributing to the economic collapse. As the series details, these events created an environment ripe for challenge and change within the conservative establishment.
The documentary also examines the rise of “compassionate conservatism” under Bush, an attempt to broaden the appeal of conservative principles by emphasizing social justice and community involvement. While intended to attract moderate voters, this approach also drew criticism from traditional conservatives who feared it diluted core tenets of the movement. The series features interviews with figures who championed and opposed this strategy, providing a nuanced understanding of its impact.
The Obama Era and the Tea Party Response
The election of Barack Obama in 2008 marked a significant turning point. The first African American president’s victory galvanized opposition and fueled the rise of new conservative figures like Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck. Beck, a radio and television personality, became a prominent voice for conservative populism, attracting a large following with his critiques of the Obama administration and his warnings about the dangers of socialism. The series explores the role of conservative media in shaping public opinion during this period, and the impact of figures like Beck and Rush Limbaugh on the movement’s trajectory.
The Tea Party movement, which emerged in 2009, represented a more grassroots response to the Obama administration’s policies. Fueled by concerns about government spending, taxes, and the national debt, the Tea Party mobilized voters and challenged established Republican leaders. The movement’s success in the 2010 midterm elections, which saw the Republican Party regain control of the House of Representatives, demonstrated its growing influence. The series highlights the key issues that drove the Tea Party movement and its impact on the broader conservative landscape.
A Movement in Transition
The documentary series traces the evolution of conservative thought through the presidencies of George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush, and into the Obama years. Earlier installments, such as “Passing the Torch,” which covers the period following the Reagan presidency, and “Reagan’s Resolve,” which examines the Reagan years, provide crucial context for understanding the challenges and opportunities facing the movement in the 21st century. The series also delves into the earlier roots of conservatism, exploring the influence of figures like William F. Buckley Jr. And Barry Goldwater, and the events that shaped the movement’s initial growth. A preview clip of “Passing the Torch” is available online.
The series also acknowledges the internal debates within conservatism regarding issues like foreign policy, economic regulation, and social issues. The rise of neoconservatism, the influence of Christian conservatives, and the ongoing tension between traditional conservatives and libertarians are all explored in detail. The interviews with prominent figures offer diverse perspectives on these issues, providing a comprehensive overview of the movement’s intellectual and political evolution.
As “The Right, All Along” concludes, it leaves viewers with a complex portrait of a movement that has profoundly shaped American politics. The series doesn’t offer easy answers, but rather presents a nuanced and insightful examination of the forces that have driven conservatism’s rise, fall, and ongoing evolution. The future direction of the movement remains uncertain, but the series suggests that its core principles – limited government, individual liberty, and free markets – will continue to be debated and contested for years to come. The series is available for purchase as a DVD set. More information about the DVD set can be found online.
The ongoing debates within the conservative movement, and its ability to adapt to changing circumstances, will undoubtedly shape the future of American politics. Further analysis of the movement’s strategies and its response to evolving demographic trends will be crucial in understanding its long-term viability.
Do you have thoughts on the history of conservatism? Share your comments below.
