Do some Republicans call themselves Conservatives because?

Question

they're mainly social conservatives?

I can't imagine a true Conservative (the one who believes in small government and less spending) liking Bush. He's the opposite of true Conservative beliefs. He's increased the size of government, and he's spending is reckless I guess the only part of him that is Conservative is his stance on social issues.

Answer 1

I would say that the Democratic party today is the old conservative party.  

Answer 2

i would agree, i vote republican because they are less socialist than the Dems, my guess is that the classic liberals have a similar problem with the Dems

Answer 3

You're mostly right, but you're overlooking a key component of Conservativism.

A "conservative" person is by nature someone who takes few risks because they are afraid of losing what they have.

A key component of political "Conservativism" as most prominently noted under Ronald Reagan's Presidency is the fear that the United States great democracy is at risk, unless we act to protect and preserve it. The fear is that the world's oppresiuve forces are seeking to subvert our gov't and theres no guarantee it will always be there for us.

From this fear, Conservatives feel compelled to make sure we are the strongest nation on earth, as a lasting peace can only be achieved over the oppresive forces by strength.

Given the instantaneous threat posed by Jihadist, who (believe it or not) could have trigger a series of events that subverted the whole American way of life with well placed suitcase bombs in a few major cities, most "Conservatives" forgive Bush's excessive spending for the purposes of protecting us.

Great question!