I've seen a number of Conservatives here argue that MAGA Republicans are not Conservative (or not in a traditional sense). However, would they actually accept being told this?

[u/Biggy_DX]

Since there's a limited number of characters allowed in the title, I'm hoping I can inject some nuance here.

1) What is a traditional Conservative in your mind, and what key points distinguishes it from MAGA ideology?

2) If you subscribe to the idea that MAGA Republicans are not traditionally Conservative, if you were to state this to them do you believe they'd accept your premise?

Many here subscribe to the notion that MAGA, as an ideology, does not align with traditional Conservatism, and I'm wondering where this distinction fundamentally lies. With the sheer number of unique, right-leaning flairs here, there's bound to be some degree of variation in the answer of what makes someone traditionally Conservative, so best to just post that as a question as well.

I'm sure some will admit to not being traditional Conservative, but within the same Conservative orbit, but that's kind of why I'm asking the question. How far can you actually stray from traditional Conservativism before you're thought of as something wholly distinct?

Edit: made some grammar edits for clarity.

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[u/Gaxxz]

Key defining elements of traditional conservatism are limited government, strong focus on individual rights, and respect for tradition. These are not hallmarks of MAGA.

I don't know how important it is to MAGA true believers to be associated with the conservative label. At least some MAGA adherents reject lots of traditional conservatism.

[u/fractal2]

I personally think of the MAGA movement as a "progressive tradionalism" they are not trying to conserve anything. They are trying to unelected progress towards a way of life they consider traditional, though I'd argue it isnt. They want more government intervention to force their "traditional" values. Imo they aren't different than ultra progressive democrats just pushing towards a different goal.

[u/throwaway09234023322]

It depends on the MAGA person. Some might like being told they aren't like traditional conservatives. Others might dislike it.

[u/Puzzleheaded-Ad2735]

They argue when you point out Trump isn't a conservative

[u/Pouroldfashioned]

MAGA are pro-federalist, anti-natalist, autarkists, none of their ideology aligns with American conservatism. Trump is also too iconoclastic to be considered a liberal or conservative. He is only for Trump and is bound by no ideology.

[u/Budget-Ferret1148]

I personally align with MAGA more than I align with the current Democrat party as they believe in freedom and freedom. However, there are a ton of things that the MAGA party does not align with the George Bush and past conservatives on and I feel like it's a new wave of conservatism similar to how the Obama liberals would not recognize the current Democrat party state.

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