Abstract
In 1981, Old Right Senator Barry Goldwater delivered “To Be Conservative” opposing tactics of the New Right. The speech, which sparked nationwide approval on editorial pages, articulated a case against intolerance and disrespect for constitutionally grounded democratic processes that are essential to freedom and policy deliberations for common good. Using cluster-agon analysis, this essay shows how Goldwater positioned “Freedom” and “Intolerance” as agonistic terms. He further dissociated conservatism into its “old” or “true” and “new” or “apparent” forms, which corresponded to “Freedom” and “Intolerance,” and summoned “decent people” connected to the New Right to resist extremists’ uncompromising ways. Though fervent, Goldwater refused to vilify his adversaries, focusing instead on decreasing intolerant rhetoric. Goldwater’s advocacy exemplified Ivie’s ideal of democratic dissent and offers lessons for promoting healthy public deliberation.
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