Going into election 2026, Conservatives need to choose: Go with a positive principle-based vision of conservatism, or embrace visionary Islamic/Authoritarian utopianism, in which bashing Israel is more important than promoting the best interests of America.

These battle lines of an incoming MAGA civil war were drawn when celebrated conservative commentator Ben Shapiro called other conservative commentators (Candace Owens, Steve Bannon, Tucker Carlson, and others) at the latest TPUSA America First for trafficking in lies and conspiracy theories. Carlson and Bannon lashed out, blasting Shapiro as a globalist Never-Trumper. This discussion must transcend personalities.

Let's talk principles and fundamental guidelines. The conservative movement needs standards and we need leadership that will call people out when they are not abiding by those standards. 

The real source of MAGA division focuses on how best to support and defend—conserve--our American traditions, heritage, country, and legacies. Shapiro pointed out the importance of free enterprise, America’s constitutional norms, the revolutionary legacy, merit over identity politics, and our Judeo-Christian heritage are fundamental non-negotiables.

Agreed.

In conflict with Shapiro’s template, a growing number of commentators, pundits, and podcasters seem interested only in grief, grievance, and grift. They want to stir up strife so that they can make money, so they can make a name for themselves, and they want to disparage any efforts for the Republican Party and the larger conservative movement to build on its successes and win. In the last book published before his assassination, Charlie Kirk explained that we........

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