Andrew Sullivan, Liberal

As to the term “prominent liberal,” well, I think it tells you more about what has happened to conservatism than what has happened to me. I am now and long have been for small government, low taxes, a balanced budget, welfare reform, the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, a flat tax, states’ rights, and an increase in defense spending. I believe abortion and affirmative action are immoral and would have voted in dissent on Roe vs Wade. I’m a believing Christian. Right now, that makes you a “prominent liberal.” Think for a minute what that says about what conservative orthodoxy has now become. You are a “prominent liberal” even if you believe all these things, but also believe that there should be a clear separation between church and state, that abuse and torture of people in captivity is wrong, that soldiers deserve civilian leadership that allows them to fight and win wars, that minorities deserve civil rights, and that presidents are accountable for what happens on their watch in their own government and military.