Samuel T. Francis, once a luminary of the hard right, or “paleoconservatives,” has re-entered the national political discourse after years of relative obscurity. This resurgence is driven by a growing interest in his work over the last decade, coupled with the rise of Trumpian politics in the United States. Known for their opposition to neoconservatives, paleoconservatives emerged as a distinct intellectual faction within the conservative movement in the late 1970s and early 1980s. They viewed neoconservatives, often former Cold War liberals, as insufficiently conservative, accusing them of retaining liberal assumptions and dominating conservative venues and networks.
In the public imagination, paleoconservatives were often associated with racialist thinking, an aspect that significantly marked Francis’s career. Despite being recognized for his incisive writing, such as his award-winning editorials for the Washington Times, Francis’s increasing racial rhetoric led to his eventual marginalization from mainstream conservatism. His dismissal from the Times in 1995 followed comments at a conference that advocated a racial consciousness among whites, hosted by a white supremacist magazine. Although Francis denied being a white nationalist, his later work focused on mobilizing whites politically, which he argued was necessary to achieve his political objectives.
Since 2016, there has been a renewed interest in Francis’s ideas, with figures across the political spectrum reevaluating his work. This interest is partly due to the perception that his writings anticipated the rise of Trump and the political shift it represents. Francis’s contributions, particularly his concept of Middle American Radicals (MARs), a sociopolitical base for a new right-wing movement, resonate with contemporary political dynamics. He argued that these aggrieved middle Americans could drive a revolution against the liberal elite if harnessed by the New Right.
Francis envisioned transforming the ruling elite by utilizing MARs, advocating for a radical approach that diverged from traditional conservative thinking. He proposed a more protectionist, nationalist agenda that would leverage the presidency to dismantle the existing power structure. This framework aligns with several aspects of Trumpism, including its populist appeal, nationalist rhetoric, and anti-establishment stance.
The Evolving Landscape
The resurgence of interest in Francis’s work highlights an ongoing shift in American politics and conservatism. His analysis of Middle American Radicals offers insights into the current political climate, where middle-class grievances continue to shape electoral outcomes. The increasing visibility of such ideas reflects a broader societal shift toward embracing more radical conservative policies, altering the traditional political landscape.
For communities, the implications of Francis’s ideas are multifaceted. On one hand, they underscore the power of grassroots political movements driven by economic and cultural discontent. On the other, they raise concerns about the potential for divisive and exclusionary politics, which could strain social cohesion. For individuals, understanding these dynamics is crucial in navigating the complexities of contemporary political discourse and its impact on daily life.