Anthony Koch argues that conservatives prioritize being right over actually winning elections, contrasting their ethos with that of liberals who unabashedly pursue power.
In a recent piece, Anthony Koch highlights the dilemma faced by the conservative movement in Canada, specifically pointing out the tendency of conservatives to comfort themselves with 'moral victories' after electoral losses. Instead of acknowledging the necessity of winning to govern effectively, they seem to take solace in philosophical debates, believing that simply shifting the conversation or maintaining 'principles' during their defeats is sufficient. This approach, Koch argues, is indicative of a fundamental issue within conservative politics that discourages pragmatic governance.
Koch contrasts this with the liberal approach to power, which he describes as instinctive and unrestrained. He compares liberals' relationship with power to that of an alcoholic's love for alcohol, suggesting they pursue it passionately and without hesitation. This distinction raises questions about the efficiency of conservative strategies and their reluctance to aggressively engage in the political arena, often preferring to dwell on intellectual discussions instead of taking decisive action that could lead to success in elections.
By emphasizing the importance of winning rather than simply being 'right', Koch calls on conservatives to rethink their strategy and adopt a more pragmatic approach to governance. He posits that this shift could potentially lead to more successful outcomes in elections, urging the Conservative Party of Canada to learn from their liberal counterparts in order to regain power and effectively implement their policies and ideals.
