My Final Answer In The Quest For Converts And Heretics
A while back, I asked a question that pops up from time to time - who said something like "the right looks for converts while the left looks for heretics"?
John Leo, columnist for US News and World Report (and proud possessor of a link from Matt Drudge, no less), was kind enough to send me an e-mail assuring me that the original source is Michael Kinsley. Apparently, Mr. Leo included the line in a Nov. 26, 1990 column rounding up the best aphorisms of the year. He also is kind enough to tell me that the correct quotation is:
"Conservatives are always looking for converts, whereas liberals are always looking for heretics."
Apparently Mr. Leo complained in his original column that he did not like the "whereas"; I'm with him.
And, as a bonus link, a younger Mickey Kaus, in a 1992 interview, talks about income inequality AND mentions M. Kinsley as the source of the "converts/heretics" quote. Now, all my questions are answered.
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