Why is it harder for some to speak their 'conservative' principles outside of the election cycle? Why will some avoid conservative forums?
In the Republican primary, EVERYONE is a conservative.
I have done a great deal of door knocking as a candidate for the Grand Traverse County Commission. I have held my record out as one of conservatism, but when approaching the potential voter, its natural to introduce myself as a “constitutional conservative,” or “conservative Republican.” Usually, the latter is used (by habit), and I can read the face of the person I am talking with so as to determine whether they want to hear anymore.
One woman I spoke to said “Conservative? Everybody is a conservative nowadays!” She then described her potential of possibly not participating in the election process any longer. She explained her disappointment with the Republican candidates who make the claim, yet hardly stand for the values that are expressed in the platform, much less hold up to the promises they make while electioneering.
She was not the only one to express this perspective.