People who read this column know my political ideology: I’m a Whig. If progressives generally believe in expanding government to enhance equality, and libertarians try to reduce government to expand freedom, Whigs seek to use limited but energetic government to enhance social mobility.
Back in the 19th century, during their heyday, Whigs promoted infrastructure projects, public education, public-private investments and character-building programs to create dynamic, capitalist communities in which poor boys and girls could rise and succeed.
Whigs admired people and places that are enterprising, emotionally balanced and spiritually ardent. They had a great historic run — inspired by Alexander Hamilton, led by Henry Clay and Daniel Webster, embodied most brilliantly in the minds of Abraham Lincoln and the early Theodore Roosevelt.
David Brooks: Conservative, Liberal, and Whig
Conservative: limit government to promote freedom
Liberal: using government to enhance equality
Whig: limited but energetic government to promote social mobility
14:53 min
We need to fix the establishment institutions
23:00 min
Social media has pushed things from guilt culture to shame culture because people are afraid of being excluded
29:30 min