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

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 • Mar. 10, 2025

President George W. Bush campaigned for the White House in 2000 as a compassionate conservative.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 18, 2020

While Mike Huckabee began his political career literally locked out, he eventually became a popular leader in Arkansas known as a compassionate conservative willing to work across partisan barriers to solve problems.

From Washington Post • Oct. 10, 2017

John Kasich is this generation’s compassionate conservative, who cites his faith as justification for expanding Medicaid and extending “unconditional love” to gays and lesbians.

From The Wall Street Journal • Aug. 11, 2015

He was a compassionate conservative, a guy who cared about free trade, a man who reached across the aisle.

From New York Times • Oct. 8, 2010