Differences between Taft and Goldwater

[All Along The Watchtower]

What were the main differences between Robert Taft and Barry Goldwater?

I know that Goldwater was more interventionist in foreign policy, but other than that, I don't see that much difference between their ideologies.

[Obnoxiously Slutty Girly Girl]

They were very different. Taft represented the Old Right, Goldwater, the New Right. Taft was a Midwestern isolationist; Goldwater, an extreme interventionist warmonger. Goldwater didn't even support Taft in his presidential campaigns.

[hcallega]

On a less aggressive note, the primary difference was in their outlook on foreign policy. Both men strongly opposed big government, economic intervention, and social programs. They were both pretty far right as far as I'm concerned when it comes to that.

However on foreign policy the major difference (interventionist vs. isolationist) was when they rose to power. Taft was born in a political family that hailed from the old days of the GOP. Foreign entanglements were frowned upon. World War One had led to many US casualties for little significant change, and the conflict proved how unstable Europe was. Best not to get involved. That was where Taft came from. As a Senator he saw Truman's foreign policy as something quite similar. Rather than focusing on keeping the United States a bastion of hope and freedom with a strong military to deter war, Truman was sending US dollars across the world in a fight that would do little to stop communism and little to help the US. Once again these are from the perspective of Taft.

Goldwater's political education came from the World War Two era. He saw the United States come to the defense of the free people's of the world in a time of immense need. We defeated Facsism because of our resolve and our capitalist system which allowed for better technology and rapid production. We could defeat Communism the same way, with our advantages even greater due to our enemies severely flawed system. To remain bottled up at home would be irresponsible, and would allow for the Soviets to rack up wins against our allies. It would be like appeasing Hitler. Again, Goldwater's view.

So basically one was an isolationist and one was a hawk. The reasons were primarily in the time they rose to prominence and what their background was. Again, no evidence and only my opinion. But I like to think it's likely!

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Taft was willing to let the rest of the world be run by fascists and communists; Goldwater wasn't.

[Bo]

Taft was willing to let the rest of the world be run by fascists and communists; Goldwater wasn't.

Taft was in favor of the U.S. entering WWII. And as most people here mentioned, domestically Taft and Goldwater were pretty conservative. They supported big business and opposed large govt. intervention in the economy. On foreign policy, Taft was a non-interventionist, while Goldwater was a hawkish interventionist.

[Mechaman]

Taft was willing to let the rest of the world be run by fascists and communists; Goldwater wasn't.

Taft was in favor of the U.S. entering WWII. And as most people here mentioned, domestically Taft and Goldwater were pretty conservative. They supported big business and opposed large govt. intervention in the economy. On foreign policy, Taft was a non-interventionist, while Goldwater was a hawkish interventionist.

Um no, that is just plain wrong, Roch.  It wasn't until we were attacked that Taft started actively supporting entrance into World War II.
If you were addressing Ben's point about Taft willing to let commies and fascists take over the world, then nevermind.

[tpfkaw]

Taft was also somewhat authoritarian on social issues, while Goldwater was libertarian.

[Obnoxiously Slutty Girly Girl]

Taft was willing to let the rest of the world be run by fascists and communists; Goldwater wasn't.

Taft was in favor of the U.S. entering WWII. And as most people here mentioned, domestically Taft and Goldwater were pretty conservative. They supported big business and opposed large govt. intervention in the economy. On foreign policy, Taft was a non-interventionist, while Goldwater was a hawkish interventionist.

Yeah, both of these entire posts are just dripping with ignorance. LOL @ saying Taft "was in favor of the U.S. entering WWII" and "supported big business."