Jeff Tulis on conservative tradition and the legacies of losing

Jeff Tulis says losing can become winning, over the long term. He's written a new book titled, "Legacies of Losing in American Politics."

In this discussion with University of Minnesota professor Larry Jacobs, Tulis outlines three crucial moments in American political history and explores the deepest sources of America's conservative tradition.

Tulis says "the politics of integrity" means "sticking to your ideals, but also that the cause is more important than the person."

GOP presidential candidate Barry Goldwater, Tulis says, believed this. When Goldwater ran for President in 1964, "he didn't want it to be a charismatic movement. He wanted it to be focused on the ideas he was advancing, rather than himself." A lot of politicians these days, in both parties, Tulis says, "want it to be about themselves personally."

As Tulis considers America's conservative tradition, going back to the Founding Era and the making of the Constitution, he says the role of the national government, of the states, and of individual freedom, is still up for debate.

He's the author of several other books, including "The Rhetorical President."

Jeffrey Tulis is a professor of government at the University of Texas at Austin. He spoke September 20, 2018 at the University of Minnesota Humphrey School.

To listen to their discussion, click the audio player above.