THE TRUE CONSERVATIVE POSITION: We should be balancing the budget, at least before investment, during periods of prosperity. Tax cuts are only useful in limited circumstances, and should be paid for, except when they are part of a stimulus package in a recession.
THE GOP POSITION: Tax cuts are always a good idea, regardless of the circumstances. Tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy always lead to more investment and higher growth. The deficit is just a stick with which to beat Democrats when they’re in office, and a good reason to starve the beast.
TRUMP’S POSITION: Same as the GOP’s.
CONCLUSION: “National conservatives” don’t support regressive tax cuts. Will their position ever become GOP orthodoxy? I have my doubts. In any event, spending and not taxing is hardly “conservative.”