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Conscience of a Conservative: A Rejection of Destructive Politics and a Return to Principle Hardcover – August 1, 2017

by Jeff Flake (Author)

4.5 893 ratings

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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “A thoughtful defense of traditional conservatism and a thorough assault on the way Donald Trump is betraying it.”—David Brooks, in his New York Times column

In a bold act of conscience, Republican Senator Jeff Flake takes his party to task for embracing nationalism, populism, xenophobia, and the anomalous Trump presidency. The book is an urgent call for a return to bedrock conservative principle and a cry to once again put country before party.

Dear Reader,

I am a conservative.

I believe that there are limits to what government can and should do, that there are some problems that government cannot solve, and that human initiative is best when left unfettered, free from government interference or coercion. I believe that these ideas, tested by time, offer the most freedom and best outcomes in the lives of the most people.

But today, the American conservative movement has lost its way. Given the state of our politics, it is no exaggeration to say that this is an urgent matter.

The Republican party used to play to a broader audience, one that demanded that we accomplish something. But in this era of dysfunction, our primary accomplishment has been constructing the argument that we’re not to blame. We have decided that it is better to build and maintain a majority by using the levers of power rather than the art of persuasion and the battle of ideas. We’ve decided that putting party over country is okay. There are many on both sides of the aisle who think this a good model on which to build a political career—destroying, not building.

And all the while, our country burns, our institutions are undermined, and our values are compromised. We have become so estranged from our principles that we no longer know what principle is.

America is not just a collection of transactions. America is also a collection of ideas and values. And these are our values. These are our principles. They are not subject to change, owing to political fashion or cult of personality. I believe that we desperately need to get back to the rigorous, fact-based arguments that made us conservatives in the first place. We need to realize that the stakes are simply too high to remain silent and fall in line.

That is why I have written this book and am taking this stand.

—Jeff Flake

Print length

160 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Random House
Publication date

August 1, 2017
Dimensions

5.7 x 0.8 x 8.5 inches
ISBN-10

0399592911
ISBN-13

978-0399592911
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Conscience of a Conservative . . . is a thoughtful defense of traditional conservatism and a thorough assault on the way Donald Trump is betraying it. . . . Flake is in most ways an ideal public servant. He is an ideological purist but a temperamental conciliator. On spending and free trade he takes lonely principled stands; on immigration he’s crafted difficult bipartisan compromises.”—David Brooks, New York Times

“It’s striking how many influential figures in this slim volume he manages to impale with a stick and then lightly spit-roast. . . . He offers a despairing, unsparing indictment of everyone in Congress who went along with Trump’s election.”—Jennifer Senior, The New York Times

“No major elected Republican has provided a comprehensive critique of Trumpism itself. Until now. Sen. Jeff Flake’s new book, Conscience of a Conservative, is a white-hot indictment of Republican cowardice in the face of a hostile ideological takeover. It also represents the single largest act of political bravery of the Trump era.”—Michael Gerson, The Washington Post

“He presses his colleagues to call out Trump’s various attacks on conservatism, democracy, and reason. In this respect, Conscience of a Conservative may be the most clear-eyed and righteous takedown of Donald Trump from a Republican in office. . . . Conscience of a Conservative is a lucid look at what ails the Republican Party.”—New Republic

“Flake is correct that the market for the politics of inclusion and expansion has shrunk, and that Trump represents a singular threat to it. With this book, he has put his political career on the line in an attempt to expand it.”—USA Today

“The book attempts to reckon with what conservatism means in the age of Donald Trump, and its power comes from Flake’s probing of his party’s complicity in Trump’s ascendance. . . . It remains true that for all the denunciations of Trump, it isn’t yet clear how rising conservative politicians will map a future in opposition to Trump, and what form a Republican resistance to the drift of the Party might take. Flake’s book is a start.”—The New Yorker

“Flake, a NeverTrumper from the start, has written by far the toughest anti-Trump critique yet to be delivered by a Republican politician currently holding high office.”—New York

“Flake is taking a stance only a few conservatives are willing to take publicly.”—Forbes

“In the most remarkable example of public Trump-bashing, Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona is taking aim at the president.”—Time

“Flake is channeling his state’s rich tradition as Western outsiders.”—Los Angeles Times

“Flake’s 136-page manifesto pulls no punches. . . . There are humanizing elements and personal reflections throughout that give a glimpse into how his upbringing and faith have shaped his conservative worldview.”—NPR

About the Author

Jeff Flake is the junior United States senator from Arizona. He is a fifth-generation Arizonan who was raised on a cattle ranch in Snowflake, a town named in part for his great-grandfather. Prior to his election to the U.S. Senate, Flake served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2001 to 2013, representing the East Valley. Jeff Flake and his wife, Cheryl, live in Mesa and have five children.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

PREFACE

TO STAND ALONE

I will start by saying that I regret having to write this book.

I regret it because its necessity is a sign that the American conservative movement, which has been a force for great good to our country and to the world, is lost. This book aims to describe how it went wrong, and why, and how it might correct course. Given the state of our politics, it is no exaggeration to say that this is an urgent matter.

Conservatives can hold no one else responsible for this. It is a crisis of our own making. The good news is that fixing American conservatism is both of vital importance to our civic wellbeing and eminently achievable. But to do so, we have to be honest about what has happened.

I am a committed conservative. That means that I believe in the power of conservative principles to transform lives, lift countries, alleviate suffering, and make people prosperous and free. I strongly believe that given the choice between free markets and free minds versus more government control over our lives, the United States will almost always choose the conservative path.

But the question has become: Will “conservatives” choose the conservative path? Or will we instead sacrifice principle to do what is easiest and most politically expedient? When it comes to the election of 2016, well, we already have the answers. As conservative principle retreated, something new and troubling took its place. Going forward, those questions remain open, the answers remain unclear, and the early signs are troubling.

I grew up on a cattle ranch in northern Arizona, where conditions were spartan and life was what you made it. That experience taught me the value of standing alone sometimes, and it has everything to do with why I am now writing this book. And for the ultimate example in standing alone, we conservatives owe a great debt to a towering figure from Arizona, Senator Barry Goldwater, who more than fifty years ago stood alone when it was extremely difficult to do so, and in so doing started a movement of conservatives that twenty years later would see the election of one of our greatest presidents, Ronald Reagan. That this book takes its name from Senator Goldwater’s seminal book is an homage to both his fierce independence and his visionary leadership.

Goldwater’s fight was for the soul of the country, and so, too, is ours. When he wrote this in his own time, he may as well have been writing it in ours: “Though we Conservatives are deeply persuaded that our society is ailing, and know that Conservatism holds the key to national salvation—and feel sure the country agrees with us—we seem unable to demonstrate the practical relevance of Conservative principles to the needs of the day.”

The effect that Goldwater had on my state and on the way that Americans think about their relationship to their government cannot be overstated. It is our relationship to our government and the foundational institutions of American liberty that are now under severe stress.

That conservatism has become compromised by other powerful forces—nationalism, populism, xenophobia, extreme partisanship, even celebrity—explains part of how and why we lost our way. That we who call ourselves conservative have been willing partners in that compromise explains the rest.

It doesn’t have to be this way. In fact, it simply cannot be this way.

Going forward from here, for Americans to have the benefit of conservative principles, we must once again have the benefit of truly conservative leadership. Unabashed, unafraid, unreserved conservative leadership. But almost two decades into the new century, we conservatives have suffered a crisis of confidence, which in turn has led to a crisis of principle. In the election campaign of 2016, it was as if we no longer had the courage of our convictions and so chose to simply abandon conviction altogether, taking up instead an unfamiliar banner and a new set of values that had never been our own.

That an enigmatic Republican nominee succeeded in becoming president resolves nothing in terms of the future of American conservatism. In fact, an enigma by definition is a riddle, and riddles are meant to be solved. We—as conservatives and as Americans—have a lot of solving to do, to restore principle and look to the future.

Politicians can be herdlike creatures, too often prone to taking the path of least resistance. I understand the impulse and have often sought that well-trodden path myself. I must say, it would have been much easier for me to have taken that path this time as well and fallen in line with most in my party. But in good conscience, I could not. The stakes, for the future of conservatism and for the future of our country, are simply too high.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Random House; First Edition (August 1, 2017)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 160 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0399592911
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0399592911
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 9.6 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.7 x 0.8 x 8.5 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #239,878 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #177 in Political Parties (Books)
- #628 in Political Philosophy (Books)
- #1,355 in Political Leader Biographies

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4.5 893 ratings

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Customers find the book excellent, refreshing, and informative. They praise the writing quality as well-reasoned, clear, organized, and thought-out. Readers appreciate the insight and cogent perspective on political and social divisions. They also appreciate the honesty and candidness of the author.

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68 customers mention "Readability"68 positive0 negative

Customers find the book excellent, timely, and refreshing. They also say it's valuable, informative, and a brief but powerful read.

"...He interjects humor and family into the book in a way that I found entertaining and refreshing...." Read more

"...When peppered with autobiographical detail, it makes for a highly readable book...." Read more

"...It certainly is a worthwhile read for anyone who is stunned at what Trump-ism, masquerading as Republicanism, has done to our great Nation...." Read more

"Great book. Nice to see a conservative have some backbone and speak up against the ethical abomination that is Trump...." Read more

66 customers mention "Writing quality"64 positive2 negative

Customers find the writing quality of the book well-reasoned, clear, and organized. They also say the main message is clear and well expressed. Readers mention there are many quotable lines and it's succinct yet nuanced.

"...out what conservatism is and is not, and does so in a respectful and intelligent way that is accessible to any reader." Read more

"...The book is short (136 pages) and can easily be read in an afternoon...." Read more

"I read this book in one sitting. It is hastily written yet well nuanced. It is thought-provoking and challenging...." Read more

"The book itself I would have rated closer to 4, being quite well-written although it does paint an overly rosy picture of a past that never existed..." Read more

61 customers mention "Insight"61 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful, informative, and well-written. They say it offers a cogent perspective on political and social divisions. Readers also appreciate the good mix of discourse and anecdotes. In addition, they say the book does a fantastic job highlighting the values of conservatism and takes them to a higher place.

"...and family into the book in a way that I found entertaining and refreshing...." Read more

"...Flake details the principles of conservatism accurately and with great passion...." Read more

"I read this book in one sitting. It is hastily written yet well nuanced. It is thought-provoking and challenging...." Read more

"...eloquent defence of decency in politics, it is a plea for mutual consideration, compromise and respect for people with different opinions, outlooks..." Read more

11 customers mention "Honesty"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book honest, candid, and frank. They say the author is an honest, clear commentator on the greatest issues.

"...Ranch life is tough, practical and honest. It's the spirit that created this book, just as it..." Read more

"This is the best, most honest book about politics I have read. No spin in this one...." Read more

"It is so refreshing to read a book by a politician that is completely honest and from the heart, not a rehash of taglines and tiresome ideological..." Read more

"...Reagan too high on the Parthenon of political sainthood, but he is an honest, frank, clear commentator on the greatest problem of the day...." Read more

6 customers mention "Ease of reading"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book straightforward and hard to put down. They say it's an easy way to discover differences in basic philosophy.

"..."We did it because it was cheap and easy and the real world is hard and defending a principled position to voters is harder..." Read more

"...Although replete with fanciful language, it is easy to understand and flows smoothly...." Read more

"...Easy, conversational style." Read more

"...This book is an easy way to discover the differences in basic philosophy and differences between our two political parties...." Read more

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Brett

Lays out what it means to be a conservative

Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2018

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I am unaffiliated with either party, which makes me an independent voter. I read this book to hopefully better understand conservatism, as opposed to party politics. It did not disappoint - I found it to be both engaging and enlightening. I admire Jeff Flake, not only because he is from my home state of Arizona but because I see him put principle and people ahead of politics and party. Do I always agree with him? Definitely not, but at least his positions are defensible and based on something other than expediency.

Flake lays bare the issues he has with the current republican party and more importantly, why he has those issues. His message should be clear to all and that is this: don't confuse current politics or politicians with political principles. They are often not the same. He cites policies and positions that are at odds with conservatism and explains why those policies and positions are at odds with conservatism. This is a book that, quite frankly, anyone interested in politics should read, regardless of one's political persuasion.

I also enjoyed reading about Flake's upbringing as I know there area, the culture, and the history. He interjects humor and family into the book in a way that I found entertaining and refreshing. I think the book accomplishes the goal of setting out what conservatism is and is not, and does so in a respectful and intelligent way that is accessible to any reader.

19 people found this helpful

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george e. hemelt

Conscience of a Conservative

Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2017

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"Conscience of a Conservative" by Senator Jeff Flake takes its name from the now classic political work written by Barry Goldwater, a hero of Flake and one of the founders of modern conservatism. Flake details the principles of conservatism accurately and with great passion. When peppered with autobiographical detail, it makes for a highly readable book. The book is short (136 pages) and can easily be read in an afternoon.

In the age of Trump, "conservative" is a misunderstood term that includes everything on the right side of the political spectrum. In fact, conservatism needs to be redefined and Flake does his part to do so. Conservatism is about thoughtfulness and personal restraint. It is about principles, ideas, and adherence to traditional moral values. True conservatives stand in the grand tradition of Edmond Burke, William F. Buckley, Russell Kirk, Barry Goldwater, and Ronald Reagan. Often coexisting with true conservatism is a more extreme right wing manifestation. Buckley and Kirk dealt successfully with the alt right of their day, the John Birch society. The Birchers stood for racism, authoritarianism, and ultra-nationalism.

The challenges of our day may even be greater for a neo-Bircher has captured the White House and, with his own band of merry media sycophants (Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham, Rush Limbaugh, and Raymond Arroyo), standing in the tradition of Robert Welch, promotes misogyny, racism, authoritarianism, and ultra-nationalism.

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Randy Elrod

I Read This In One Sitting

Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2017

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I read this book in one sitting. It is hastily written yet well nuanced. It is thought-provoking and challenging. No matter Republican, Democrat, Anarchist, or Libertarian—this book deserves a read—if for nothing more than starting a global and non-partisan dialogue.

Consider these quotes: "This is why the Founders felt it critical that an American electorate be well informed, and why being a discerning and informed citizen is now more important than ever before..."

"Perhaps most destructive of all, we haven’t ever had an occupant of the White House who so routinely calls true reports that irk him “fake news” while giving his seal of approval to fake reports that happen to support his position. This is tremendously damaging; the words of a president are more resonant than those of any other leader on earth, and it is difficult to unlearn false things once learned."

"When a conspiracy theory becomes litmus-test orthodoxy, objective reality is at risk."

I would love to gather on a summer porch drink in hand for hours and dialogue with congenial and intelligent people, especially ones who disagree with my views, about the preceding quotes and several others from this book. But most of us Americans won't. We suck at dialogue and debate. We live in fear and xenophobia. We have no time, no context, and most chilling of all, no patience with those with whom we share this world.

Flake's thoughts on religion, especially his Mormonism, ring hollow to my cynical heart so withered and ostracized from dogma and theology, but his background working hard on a ranch and his family roots in Arizona helped soften the pessimism and emptiness I feel toward a religious belief system—of any kind, and gives credence to the context of this book.

I don't consider myself a conservative nor a Republican any longer...but many of the ideals espoused in this book cause a flutter of hope for this weary and disillusioned American native son. I will paraphrase one in particular: "This does not make the Republicans my enemies. America has too many real enemies to indulge such nonsense. We ill serve the American people when our tribal impulses take over and we cease to have human responses to each other. When we have governed best, we have sought comity and consensus. We fight and argue vehemently for our positions and our principles, understanding that policies that last always bear the imprint of both sides. That is when America is at her best. And when we are at our worst, well, we reach the point where we are today."

And our worst is embodied in the President a minority of Americans put in the White House. "Seemingly overnight, we became defined not by the limitless aspirations of a free people but by our grievances and resentments and our lowest common denominators."

"How and why did we embrace incoherence?"

"We did it because it was cheap and easy and the real world is hard and defending a principled position to voters is harder still."

"Candidate Trump was giving—and we, the Republican electorate, bought—the late-night infomercial: “Health Care for Everybody! Much Better, at a Fraction of the Cost! Free Border Wall! Super-Colossal Trade Deals! But Wait! There’s More!!”"

Read this book. And then...think for yourself a bit. And then find someone who looks and believes differently than you and discuss, debate, and dialogue about it.

14 people found this helpful

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ts

Wonderful

Reviewed in Canada on June 28, 2019

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It is a great book. An easy read. I read in one afternoon.

Giacomo

Conservative or Libertarian?

Reviewed in Italy on August 24, 2017

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The Conservatism sen. Jeff Flakes defends doesn't not seem to have a lot in common with that of the movement's patron saints (e.g. Kirk, Buckley, Strauss, even Reagan). It is somewhat a kind of mild Libertarianism?

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Paolo De Rosa

Common sense and moral values at their best

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 7, 2017

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A refreshing, honest and sensible analysis of Trump politics by a Republican senator who should run for president!
Paolo De Rosa, Lutry, Switzerland

Elizabeth Wall

Five Stars

Reviewed in Canada on March 14, 2018

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THANK YOU!

Megan Hollerbaum

NOT the Barry Goldwater book!

Reviewed in Canada on March 29, 2021

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I bought this book without really looking at the description because who would create a book in a similar style as the Barry Goldwater book with the exact same name- Senator Jeff Flake that's who. I didn't know who Jeff Flake was before I bought this book but when it arrived I was quite confused. I will probably read this book as it seems to be a short read but honestly name your book something else.

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