A couple of questions about Neo-Conservatism

[DevotedDemocrat]

1) What, exactly, is the definition of Neo-Conservatism, and how does it differ from Liberaism, traditional Conservatism, and Libertarianism? Are Compassionate Conservatives the same as Neo-Cons?

2) Going by their records, would JFK, LBJ, Nixon, Ford, Reagan and Bush I be considered Neo-Cons?

Finally

3) Is Obama a Neo-Con?

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

The only advantage in knowledge that the vast majority of potential responders have to you is having read wikipedia articles. You can quickly make up this possible gap by going there yourself, reading about the desired subject, and applying that to your other thoughts. I sure as Hell ain't gonna consult wikipedia again after doing it like three years ago on this exact topic.

[Mr. Morden]

Traditionally, at least in the American context, it refers to a group of (mostly Jewish) intellectuals who, decades ago, migrated from the left to the right.  They were "neoconservatives" because they were newly conservative, having previously been on the left.  The prototypical example is Irving Kristol:

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/06/05/neoconservative-needs-to-be-retired-why-not-try-imperialist.html

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However, since the 1990s, people started talking about a so-called second generation of neocons (like Irving Kristol's son, Bill), who adopted the same domestic political agenda as "regular" conservatives, but really only diverged on foreign policy, where they advocated a hawkish posture.  Anyway, read that Peter Beinart column that I linked to, and you'll get the gist of it.  This column might also be useful: http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/206955/neoconservative-invention/jonah-goldberg