compassionate conservative

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.

Other Words From

• compassionate conservatism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of compassionate conservative¹

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

In 2000, George W. Bush won with a "compassionate conservative" message that papered over the sadism that fuels anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ politics with paternalism.

From Salon

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

He described Deukmejian, whom he worked for during his time as attorney general and then as governor, as a compassionate conservative and a strong protector of elderly, blind and disabled people at a time when conservatives wanted to cut government spending.

From Los Angeles Times