Barry Goldwater
Biography
Barry Morris Goldwater (1909–1998) was an American politician and businessman who served as a United States Senator from Arizona for five terms and was the Republican Party's nominee for president in 1964. Known as "Mr. Conservative," Goldwater is credited with launching the modern American conservative movement. His book The Conscience of a Conservative (1960), ghostwritten by L. Brent Bozell Jr., became a manifesto for the American right and sold over 3.5 million copies. Though he lost the 1964 presidential election in a landslide, his campaign reshaped the Republican Party and paved the way for Ronald Reagan's eventual presidency.
Common themes in Barry Goldwater's work
American Conservatism
A recurring theme throughout Barry Goldwater's writing.
Political Philosophy
A recurring theme throughout Barry Goldwater's writing.
Republican Party History
A recurring theme throughout Barry Goldwater's writing.
Limited Government
A recurring theme throughout Barry Goldwater's writing.
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Why Barry Goldwater is still read today
Goldwater's Conscience of a Conservative remains foundational to understanding modern American conservatism. His influence on the Republican Party's transformation from moderate to conservative continues to shape American politics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Barry Goldwater?
Barry Goldwater was a US Senator from Arizona and 1964 presidential candidate who is considered the father of the modern American conservative movement.
What is The Conscience of a Conservative about?
It argues for limited government, states' rights, free market economics, and a strong anti-Communist foreign policy. Read it free on TextStack.
Why is Barry Goldwater historically important?
He transformed the Republican Party and launched the modern conservative movement that eventually brought Ronald Reagan to power.
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