The following is not meant as a nuanced treatment of the subject. Notice the title "Cheat Sheet." I originally wrote it for a friend who is just getting interested in politics. So, please don't howl in disgust that I misstated your liberal or conservative view. This charts the territory from a pretty high level of abstraction and in light of recent developments in liberal or leftist thinking.

A. Preserve vs Transform

Conservatives want to preserve American ideals found in the Declaration and the Constitution.

Liberals want to “fundamentally transform America” (Barack Obama) through politics. They will subvert the principles of the American system to attain their ends.

B.  Basically Good vs Deeply Flawed

Conservatives believe that America is flawed, but basically good, and self-reforming. Abraham Lincoln: America is “the almost chosen nation.” Conservatives are not afraid of American exceptionalism or putting their national interest ahead of other nations. As such, they are patriotic.

Liberals believe America is deeply flawed and must be discredited and transformed since its origins lie in black slavery and other evils. Appeals to patriotism are typically taken as jingoism and noxious nationalism.

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