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by TremendousJudge·1y ago·view on hn ↗
Who would you say was the conscience of the Republican party in 2012? What were they arguing for? Serious question, not American, follow their politics from afar.
2 comments
I'd argue that republicans lost their conscience with Nixon. It doubly got worse with Reagan.

Democrats lost their conscience with Clinton.

The last republican president with a clear conscience was probably Bush Sr. He was also crucified for it (hence the single term). He foolishly let reason about running a government get in the way of party bluster and that ended his career.

Carter was the last democrat president with a conscience and he also was lambasted for it.

Unfortunately in the US, principles and conscience haven't resulted in party success in the last 50 years.

McCain is probably who a lot of people would name. I disagreed with him about a lot of policy specifics, but do think he was genuine in wanting to do right by voters and the nation.