compassionate conservative

American  

noun

1. a political conservative who is motivated by concern for disadvantaged people but supports policies based on personal responsibility and limited government.

   George W. Bush ran for president as a compassionate conservative.

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Other Word Forms

• compassionate conservatism noun

Etymology

Origin of compassionate conservative

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

He was “a thoughtful and compassionate conservative leader. Clearly his father’s son, he nonetheless forged his own distinct and influential voice within the conservative movement,” said former California Republican Party Chairman Ron Nehring.

From Los Angeles Times

When Arizona Sen. Barry Goldwater, a compassionate conservative who championed civil rights and environmental protections, announced his intention to run against John F. Kennedy in the 1964 election, Didion embraced his candidacy.

From Los Angeles Times

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez painted himself as a forward-looking “compassionate” conservative.

From Washington Times

He calls himself a “pragmatic progressive,” a phrase reminiscent of George W. Bush’s “compassionate conservative.”

From New York Times

George W. Bush offered himself as a “compassionate conservative.”

From Seattle Times