The Real Origins of the Religious Right ( www.politico.com )

I know this article is old, but it’s worth reviewing some of the origins of MAGA and Christian Nationalism that plague our nation.

Fiscal conservatives weren’t always allies of social conservatives, not having much common ground except that FDR’s New Deal made them both largely irrelevant at the national level. So they made a deal with the devil (social conservatives) to regain power promising they would both get what they want. Except the fiscal conservatives mostly dragged their feet on social issues until the Trump era.

Barry Goldwater accurately predicted what ultimately happened:

Mark my word, if and when these preachers get control of the [Republican] party, and they’re sure trying to do so, it’s going to be a terrible damn problem. Frankly, these people frighten me. Politics and governing demand compromise. But these Christians believe they are acting in the name of God, so they can’t and won’t compromise. I know, I’ve tried to deal with them.