The New Right and The Republican
Party in the 60s
I.
Overview
A.
Before 1960
1. Republican Party:
moderates
2. Conservatives:
peripheral
Divided
B. Late 50s-early
60s: Conservatives gain strength
1. Unity: anti-communism, anti-“big gov’t” liberalism
2. Appeal to new constituencies:
“Populist”
3. Strategy
to capture Republican Party
I.
The New Right’s General Principles
Anti-poverty programs did not help the poor
Taxes should always be lowered
“Preferential treatment” for minorities was wrong
Business was overregulated
Size of government should be reduced – except for military
Faith in “law and order” and “traditional values”
II.
Barry Goldwater - Republican candidate 1964
A.
B. Positions and
Proposals
Reclaim the vocabulary of freedom
Revoke the
liberal state
“Total Victory”
over communism
Nuclear weapons
Uncompromising,
welcomed the “extremist” label
C. Outcome of 1964
election
Gillon’s statement p. 167
IV. Ronald Reagan (Governor Calif.)