Cal Thomas: Time for the Right to clean house
The conservative movement in America is facing a significant challenge as it grapples with the infiltration of alt-right ideologies, which are fundamentally at odds with traditional conservative values. This movement, characterized by its embrace of racism and antisemitism, threatens to tarnish the reputation of true conservatives, reminiscent of historical infiltrations like that of the John Birch Society in the 1960s. The late William F. Buckley Jr., founder of the influential conservative publication National Review, famously denounced the extremist views of Robert Welch, who labeled President Dwight D. Eisenhower a “dedicated, conscious agent of the communist conspiracy.” Buckley’s decisive stand showcased the importance of maintaining the integrity of conservatism against radical fringe elements, a lesson that remains relevant today.
Recent events highlight the ongoing struggle within the conservative landscape, particularly illustrated by a controversial podcast featuring former Fox News host Tucker Carlson and white supremacist Nick Fuentes. Their discussion included disparaging remarks about mainstream conservatives like Senator Ted Cruz and former President George W. Bush, whom they accused of being “Christian Zionists” infected by a “brain virus.” Fuentes, previously marginalized for his extreme views, has gained visibility and influence, openly expressing antisemitic beliefs and even admiration for figures like Joseph Stalin. This alarming trend is echoed by the hesitance of some conservative leaders, such as Vice President J.D. Vance, to unequivocally denounce the alt-right’s rhetoric, suggesting a troubling normalization of these extremist views within certain factions of the Republican Party.
As this ideological battle unfolds, it is crucial for traditional conservatives, particularly within the evangelical community, to recognize the alt-right’s core tenets, which promote a dangerous narrative of “white genocide” and advocate for white supremacy. Figures like Richard Spencer, who coined the term “alt-right,” push for a homogeneous white identity, echoing the sentiments of historical white supremacist movements. In light of these developments, conservatives are urged to draw parallels with Buckley’s past actions and take a firm stand against the alt-right’s incursion into their ranks. The words of Proverbs 26:24-25 serve as a poignant reminder: while some may disguise their hatred with pleasant words, true conservatives must remain vigilant and committed to the foundational principles that define their movement.
Conservatives –
true
conservatives, as in the Ronald Reagan brand – have a problem. The movement has been invaded by the “alt-right” (or alternative right), a brand that is not conservative, but rather slogs through the mud of antisemitism and racism, staining all who support or refuse to denounce it.
This attempt to hijack conservatism by a radical fringe is not new. In the 1960s,
Robert Welch
and his John Birch Society (JBS) infiltrated the movement. It took the founder of the conservative publication National Review, William F. Buckley Jr., to denounce some of Welch’s extreme views. When Welch claimed Dwight D. Eisenhower was a “dedicated, conscious agent of the communist conspiracy”, it was the breaking point for Buckley, who had been reluctant to criticize Welch, largely because many JBS members contributed financially to his magazine.
Now comes a similar challenge for traditional conservatives and especially the evangelical wing of the Republican Party. On a recent podcast, former Fox News Channel host
Tucker Carlson
interviewed Nick Fuentes, a white supremacist and antisemite. The two joined in condemnation of conservatives who support Israel. Carlson specifically mentioned Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), former president George W. Bush, and the U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee. He called them “Christian Zionists” who have been “seized by this brain virus.”
Kevin Roberts
, president of the Heritage Foundation, which guided many of the policies of Ronald Reagan and has been influential with the Trump administration, defended Carlson, saying he “remains … and always will be a close friend of the Heritage Foundation.”
Fuentes – who used to be ostracized by the mainstream right for his views, including support of Hitler and claims that Jews run the country – said on the podcast that “organized Jewry” holds “outsize influence.” He also said he is a “fan of Joseph Stalin,” one of the world’s most notorious butchers.
Alt-right proponents are not shy about voicing their beliefs, including antisemitism and in some cases a denial of the Holocaust and racism. Members of this small but growing movement, especially among the young, often blame Jewish people for allegedly promoting what they claim are anti-white policies like immigration (illegal and legal) and diversity. Last week, Vice President
J.D. Vance
had an opportunity to denounce these beliefs. During a question- and-answer session following his speech at the University of Mississippi, sponsored by Turning Point USA, Vance was asked about U.S. support of Israel and the theological differences between Jews and Christians. Instead of denouncing what appeared to be a “dog whistle” and the barely disguised political premise of the question, Vance punted and said America has traditionally made alliances with nations whose policies and beliefs don’t necessarily agree with ours.
It’s critical, especially for the evangelical wing of the Republican Party, that they know the central tenet of the
alt-right
: white people are an endangered race facing “white genocide” and that they should advocate for their collective interests.
Richard Spencer,
48, is a prominent white supremacist who is credited for coining the term “alt-right” and a leading figure in the movement. He supports the creation of a white “ethno-state.” Shades of white supremacists in the old South.
Spencer also supports the transformation of the European Union into a white racial empire, replacing the many European ethnic identities with one homogeneous “white identity,” according to media stories and several books about Spencer and his movement.
Conservatives take note as Bill Buckley eventually did when conservatism faced similar challenges six decades ago. As for the evangelicals among the alt-right, consider one of many verses about hate: “People may cover their hatred with pleasant words, but they’re deceiving you. They pretend to be kind, but don’t believe them. Their hearts are full of many evils.” (
Proverbs 26:24-25
).
Readers may email Cal Thomas at
tcaeditors@tribpub.com
. Look for Cal Thomas’ latest book “A Watchman in the Night: What I’ve Seen Over 50 Years Reporting on America” (HumanixBooks).
