About a half century ago, conservatives also talked about the “creeping tyranny” of government bureaucracy. But Pawlenty’s populism combined with themes of revolt strains reason and reality. After all, we are not surrounded by a foreign force who we must house at their will.
Pawlenty also faces theological issues. He tells Republicans they must stand up against government’s “creeping tyranny.” But if “God’s in charge,” as he repeats, Republicans should just go on with their day. The Big Guy is on it…
Pawlenty could learn from Reagan’s softer cultural populism. Reagan’s transformative moment with social conservatives took place three decades ago, also in Dallas. “Well, I know that you can’t endorse me, but I only brought that up because I want you to know that I endorse you,” he told 15,000 social conservative church leaders.
That’s how it’s done. It’s always best to sound presidential if you actually want to be president.
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