Virtue and Conservatism

Andrew Sullivan, columnist with The New Republic, and Bill Kristol, editor and publisher of The Weekly Standard, debated the meaning of contemporary conservativism. Mr. Sullivan talked about the impeachment of President Clinton, abortion rights and homosexuality, saying that these issues had changed the conservative movement’s focus from limited government and privacy to a crusade to build moral authority. Mr. Kristol defended the movement’s stance on these issues, saying that conservatism was about liberty and virtue and that there was a natural moral component to the philosophy. After their remarks they answered questions from the audience. close