A phrase coined by the Republicans for the 2000 presidential election in an effort to divert focus from the fact that in recent history the party had not been known for its compassion. Thus, a camouflage over reality, a
diversion of attention from unflattering fact, a
ruse, a marketing
gimmick to cover up a weakness by asserting that you actually have the strength when you don’t.
“In his
Inaugural Address, the President called on Americans to become citizens, not spectators. Since that time the President has used compassionate conservatism as his
governing philosophy as the Administration has moved to tackle some of
society's toughest assignments, such as educating our children, fighting poverty at home, and helping poor countries around the globe.”
