Libertarian populism won't save the GOP

Compassionate conservatism won Bush two elections. Embrace it!

GOP ideologies
(Image credit: Alex Wong/Getty Images)

If you've been paying attention to the conservative movement lately, you've heard the term "libertarian populism." It's the latest buzzword being touted as the way forward for the GOP.

But what is it? At first blush, "libertarian populism" may even seem like a contradiction in terms. Libertarians, after all, are free marketers who tend to believe in open borders. Populists, conversely, like protectionist economic policies and subsidies — and tend to embrace a sort of nativism.

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Matt K. Lewis

Matt K. Lewis is a contributing editor at TheWeek.com and a senior contributor for The Daily Caller. He has written for outlets including GQ Politics, The Guardian, and Politico, and has been cited or quoted by outlets including New York Magazine, the Washington Post, and The New York Times. Matt co-hosts The DMZ on Bloggingheads.TV, and also hosts his own podcast. In 2011, Business Insider listed him as one of the 50 "Pundits You Need To Pay Attention To Between Now And The Election." And in 2012, the American Conservative Union honored Matt as their CPAC "Blogger of the Year." He currently lives in Alexandria, Va.