Conservative Movement Faces Division Over "No Enemies to the Right" Stance
In a notable shift within the conservative movement, a growing faction is embracing the controversial mantra of "no enemies to the right" (NETTR), which has sparked significant debate among conservatives regarding the boundaries of acceptable political discourse. This ideological evolution has been highlighted by recent events surrounding the murder of conservative activist Kirk, the suspension of comedian Jimmy Kimmel, and the actions of various prominent figures within the MAGA right.
Key Details
Roberts, a notable figure within the conservative landscape, has expressed his support for the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel from ABC due to comments he made regarding Kirk"s murder. However, Roberts has drawn a clear line against the cancellation of conservative voices, regardless of their extremity. This perspective is increasingly echoed among the MAGA right, where the imposition of taboos is seen as a greater threat than the taboos themselves.
The phrase "no enemies to the right" has gained traction in MAGA circles, symbolizing a shift away from traditional conservative values that once sought to distance the movement from extremist elements. Historically, mainstream conservatives, exemplified by William F. Buckley Jr., the founding editor of National Review, actively excluded the John Birch Society from the conservative movement, promoting a narrative that emphasized the importance of drawing ideological lines. However, this narrative has been challenged by the current generation of conservatives, particularly under the influence of former President Donald Trump, who has effectively dismantled the willingness to impose such boundaries.
In her recent book, "Furious Minds: The Making of the MAGA New Right," author Laura Field cites Charles Haywood, a writer and activist, who criticized Buckley as a "Judas" for leading the American Right into a "box canyon" and undermining their effectiveness in combating the Left. This sentiment reflects a broader disillusionment with the traditional conservative approach among some factions of the MAGA right.
While not all conservatives endorse the NETTR philosophy, it has become a significant current in contemporary politics. For instance, when Politico reported on Young Republican leaders participating in a racist group chat that included praise for Adolf Hitler, reactions within the party varied. Some members expressed outrage, leading to job losses for a few participants, while others, including Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, defended the individuals involved as "kids" whose lives should not be ruined for making jokes, despite some being in their 30s.
In the wake of Kirk"s murder, there has been a notable lack of consensus on the right regarding the necessity of upholding the boundaries that Kirk once represented. Influential voices, such as podcaster Matt Walsh, have argued that the left poses a lethal threat, stating, "I cannot "unite" with the left because they want me dead," while asserting a willingness to unite with anyone on the right, regardless of their views.
Adrian Vermeule, a Harvard law professor and a key figure in shaping the intellectual foundation of the post-liberal right, has articulated this division further. He remarked on social media that historical instances of cities falling to siege often stemmed from internal factions unable to set aside their struggles for dominance, implicitly criticizing those who identify as conservatives yet fail to challenge the liberal consensus. Vermeule"s comments underscore the tension between traditional conservatism and the emerging post-liberal ideology.
Background
The ideological shift within the conservative movement can be traced back to the rise of Trump and the subsequent embrace of more radical elements within the party. This transformation has led to a reevaluation of what it means to be a conservative in America today, with many rejecting the previous attempts to distance the movement from extremist ideologies.
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What"s Next
The implications of this ideological shift are profound, as the conservative movement grapples with internal divisions and the challenge of defining its identity in a rapidly changing political landscape. The acceptance of the NETTR philosophy may lead to further normalization of extremist views within the party, complicating the broader conservative agenda and potentially alienating moderate voters. As previously reported, the ongoing power struggle within the right-wing factions continues to evolve, with figures like Nick Fuentes gaining notoriety amid these tensions, highlighting the need for conservatives to confront the implications of their shifting boundaries.
