You can pretty much chart it going into warp speed when Falwell and the Moral Majority went into politics in 1979. The beginning of the end, and the start of this dark mainstream Christian nationalism. It was starting before then, but that is when they stomped on the gas.
Those who seek absolutepower, even though they seek it to do what they regard as good, are simply demanding the right to enforce their own version of heaven on earth. And let me remind you, they are the very ones who always create the most hellishtyrannies.
And another:
Republicans are selling their soul to win elections. Mark my word, if and when these preachers get control of the 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. The government won’t work without it. 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.
Said in November 1994, as quoted in John Dean, Conservatives Without Conscience (2006).
Don’t forget the Southern Strategy where Nixon found his path to victory by peeling racist southerners off the Democratic party to form the modern Republican party
You can pretty much chart it going into warp speed when Falwell and the Moral Majority went into politics in 1979. The beginning of the end, and the start of this dark mainstream Christian nationalism. It was starting before then, but that is when they stomped on the gas.
In their own word, from Republican senator Barry Goldwater:
And another:
Don’t forget the Southern Strategy where Nixon found his path to victory by peeling racist southerners off the Democratic party to form the modern Republican party