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Barry Goldwater

Definition

Barry Goldwater was an American politician, businessman, and author who served as a five-term Senator from Arizona (1953–65; 1969–87) and as the Republican Party's nominee for president in 1964.

Analogy

Consider Barry Goldwater as an early pioneer setting out West before it became popular or fully developed. Just like these pioneers paved way for others to follow them westwardly later on, Goldwater laid down many principles that would become central to conservatism later on.

Related terms

Conservative Movement: A political ideology in the United States that emphasizes limited government, free markets, individual liberty, traditional values, and a strong national defense.

Ronald Reagan: The 40th President of United States from 1981 to 1989 who was a key figure in spreading conservative ideas. His policies—often referred to as "Reaganomics"—emphasized tax cuts, decreased social spending, increased military spending and deregulation.

The New Right: A late-20th-century alliance of conservative special-interest groups concerned with cultural, social and moral issues.