Aren't Liberals Conservative oftentimes? Or at least once in a while? Has a Conservative ever been Liberal?

Question

Does the distinction actually matter?

Answer 1

President Ronald Reagan was a liberal as an actor and was head of the SAG, screen actors guild. Conservatives are always against Unions. When Reagan met his wife Nancy her father was a conservative involved in the Republican party and Ronald Reagan joined the republican party. He went from democratic to republican.

Answer 2

Many times it's a matter of perspective.

The original liberals "Classical liberals" would today be considered conservatives for their pro-laissez faire attitudes. Margaret Thatcher was often called a classical liberal by political scientists even though she was what the public would consider the quintessential conservative. Even neo-conservatism can be considered liberal in some contexts.

The best example of the political flip-flop was the situation in the last days of the Soviet Union and leading to Russia today. The "conservatives" were those who on the usual political spectrum who were furthest to the left. The "liberals" or "radicals" were acutally further to the right.

Answer 3

People talk like it's a line-you're either this or that, but actually it's a continuum. When pressed (because I resist labels) I say that I am slightly left of centre.
However, I have some views that are extremely conservative and some that are extremely liberal.
Yes, I have a terrible time voting.
I'd have to say that the distinction has to matter in some cases, but not when it comes to labelling people.

Answer 4

People need to have informed consciences. Sometimes a liberal will agree with specific conservative points and vice-versa. I lean to the right but there are some issues where I take the liberal stance. For one person to be solely left- or right-wing is probably not informing themselves of the issues.

Answer 5

It doesn't matter because in the end, the two major parties that shout these names to eachother are whores to corporate america and the almighty dollar.

I find it hard to believe that someone is either liberal or conservative on EVERYTHING. So the liberal/conservative name calling game is nothing but hate speech.

Answer 6

A liberal is just a conservative who got arrested. A conservative is just a liberal who got robbed.

Answer 7

Extremists from both sides are a shame on this country. I hate the negativity.

Answer 8

Rush says you're all Liberals and that's why the deficit is so high, you just spend, spend, spend...

Oh wait....

Answer 9

On various issues people can be both.

Answer 10

hi rrt