The process of converting the Republican Party from free market fundamentalism to a more balanced, “common good” approach focused on what a functioning economy owes to each citizen remains a work in progress.
With primary season almost over, it is notable that virtually no Republican House or Senate candidate has centered his or her campaign on support for the new conservative economics. That might strike some as odd given the high-profile nature of President Donald Trump’s tariffs. But it makes sense if one understands that support for Trump’s unorthodox economics is greater among general election swing voters than among the rock-ribbed conservatives who dominate primary electorates.
Primary election campaigns focus on the party base. Win that, and in most cases one will win the nomination. This is true for both parties, which is why one sees Democratic campaigns this cycle focused on fighting Trump and attacking Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Two other factors are also at play. One is the overwhelming GOP consensus on cultural issues, and the other is that Trump did not center his own 2024 campaign on his new economics. Does that undermine the case for his economic views? Not at all. Ronald Reagan’s example from 1980 shows that dramatic changes in party orthodoxy occur only when a presidential nominee pledges a new course, explains that new course during his campaign, and then successfully implements it during his tenure.
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