The Rise & Fall of Conservatism: A Fox News History Series

The Right, All Along: Examining the Trajectory of American Conservatism

Fox News Reporting’s six-part series, “The Right, All Along: The Rise, Fall & Future of Conservatism,” offers a historical look at the movement’s evolution, from its mid-20th century origins through the presidencies of George W. Bush and Barack Obama. The series, hosted by Brit Hume, features interviews with prominent figures across the political spectrum, aiming to chronicle the “startling victories and crushing defeats” of American conservatism. This examination of the series’ content reveals key periods of growth, internal conflict, and resurgence within the conservative movement.

From Goldwater to Reagan: Building a Foundation

The series begins by tracing the roots of modern conservatism back to the post-World War II era and the 1964 presidential campaign of Barry Goldwater. Whereas Goldwater’s campaign ended in a decisive defeat, it served as a crucial organizing point for conservatives, laying the groundwork for future successes. Following this defeat, conservatives focused on rebuilding, with figures like actor Ronald Reagan transitioning into politics and serving as Governor of California. This period also saw the emergence of influential voices like William F. Buckley Jr., founder of National Review, who even briefly entered the New York mayoral race.

Yet, the election of Richard Nixon brought a period of disillusionment for some conservatives. Despite campaigning on conservative principles, Nixon’s presidency was ultimately marred by the Watergate scandal, leading to a sense of betrayal among some within the movement. This period, as highlighted in the series, demonstrated the challenges of translating conservative ideals into practical governance.

Reagan’s Resolve and the Conservative Ascendancy

The series dedicates significant attention to the presidency of Ronald Reagan, portraying it as a “golden era” for conservatism. Reagan’s unwavering commitment to tax cuts, coupled with a firm stance against Soviet communism, resonated with a broad segment of the American electorate. The series details Reagan’s strategy to reverse what conservatives viewed as judicial activism in the federal courts, a key tenet of the movement’s agenda.

Interviews with figures like George Shultz and Donald Rumsfeld provide insight into the internal dynamics of the Reagan administration and the challenges of implementing conservative policies. This period marked a significant shift in the American political landscape, establishing conservatism as a dominant force.

Navigating the Post-Reagan Era: Challenges and Divisions

The years following Reagan’s presidency presented new challenges for the conservative movement. The series examines George H.W. Bush’s presidency, noting his successes in managing the collapse of the Soviet Union and winning the Gulf War, but also highlighting the disappointment among conservatives over his decision to break his “no new taxes” pledge.

This period also witnessed the rise of conservative media, particularly the emergence of radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh, who became a powerful voice for the movement. The series details Newt Gingrich’s stunning upset in the 1994 midterm elections, leading to a “Republican Revolution” and the “Contract with America.” This victory demonstrated the continued strength of conservative principles, even in the face of changing political dynamics.

The Bush Years and the Rise of the Tea Party

The presidency of George W. Bush sparked significant internal disagreements within the conservative movement. The series notes that Bush’s administration faced criticism over the War on Terror, domestic spending, Supreme Court appointments, and the financial collapse of 2008. These divisions highlighted the complexities of governing as a conservative in the 21st century.

The election of Barack Obama in 2008 marked a turning point, prompting a resurgence of conservative activism. The series details the rise of new conservative figures like Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck, as well as the emergence of the Tea Party movement. The Tea Party, fueled by concerns over government spending and the size of the federal government, played a key role in the 2010 midterm elections, contributing to a conservative comeback. As noted in the series description, interviews with figures like Dick Cheney, Newt Gingrich, and Karl Rove offer personal accounts of this period.

Looking Ahead: “The Way Forward”

The final installment of the series, “The Way Forward,” explores the struggles and resurgence of conservatism from 2001 to the present day. While the series description doesn’t detail specific conclusions, it suggests an examination of the movement’s future trajectory. The series aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how conservatism has evolved over the past six decades, and the challenges and opportunities it faces in the years ahead.

The series is available as a DVD set, as indicated on Amazon.com. More information about the DVD set can be found here.

Confirmed vs. Unclear

The series itself is presented as a historical account based on interviews and archival footage. The core narrative – the timeline of conservative movement development from Goldwater to the early 21st century – is clearly established. However, the series description does not offer specific insights into its analysis of the movement’s “future.” The extent to which the series offers a definitive assessment of conservatism’s current state and future prospects remains unclear. Details regarding the specific arguments made by each interviewee beyond broad themes (like disagreement over the Iraq War) are also not provided in the available information.

Background: Defining Conservatism

While the series explores the history of the American conservative movement, a precise definition of “conservatism” itself is complex and contested. Generally, American conservatism emphasizes principles such as limited government, individual liberty, free markets, traditional values, and a strong national defense. However, these principles have been interpreted and prioritized differently throughout history, leading to internal divisions within the movement. Understanding the historical context of key figures like George W. Bush can provide further insight into the evolution of these principles.

Accessing the Series

Viewers can access preview clips of individual installments of “The Right, All Along” on the Fox News website. A general preview of the series is available here. Individual episode previews can also be found: “A Time for Choosing” preview, “Path to Power” preview, “Reagan’s Resolve” preview, and “Passing the Torch” preview.

This series offers a valuable resource for understanding the complex history of the American conservative movement and its enduring impact on American politics.