Re: "When a person seen as a conservative (Bush) supports actions that aren't conservative (a big increase in spending, large deficits, a new entitlement program)"
(That creates a LOT of cognitive dissonance! :-)
"... than the negative consequences of the actions are not just deemed by many to reflect on Bush, but are, in the minds of many, associated with conservatism."
Or not. (That could only happen if people believe he is a 'conservative'. If they DON'T... then it doesn't discredit 'conservatism'... just maybe politicians who say one theing then do another.)
"Its not logical, but politics is hardly a 100% logical activity."
I think folks are fairly logical.
This might be a good time to explore the differences between 'fiscal conservatives' (balanced budgets, sound dollar, low taxes, smaller government, etc.) which Bush II clearly *ain't*... and 'social conservatives', which many believe the President to be.
Perhaps that explains why some people consider Bush II to be a 'conservative', while others are sure he's not --- they are thinking of DIFFERENT THINGS. |
