---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Conservatives spent an awful long time…"
description: "\"Conservatives spent an awful long time ignoring things: the birthers, the bigots, the xenophobes, the alternative-reality media. We had assumed that th..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/271/charlie-sykes-9529_bigots_conservatives-spent-an-awful-long-time-i_465977.jpg"
---

#  Conservatives spent an awful long time ignoring things…

![“Conservatives spent an awful long time ignoring things: the birthers, the bigots, the xenophobes, the alternative-reality media. We had assumed that they were postcards from the fringe.” quote by Charlie Sykes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/271/charlie-sykes-9529_bigots_conservatives-spent-an-awful-long-time-i_465977.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/271/charlie-sykes-9529_bigots_conservatives-spent-an-awful-long-time-i_465977.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/271/charlie-sykes-9529_bigots_conservatives-spent-an-awful-long-time-i_465977.jpg)

> “Conservatives spent an awful long time ignoring things: the birthers, the bigots, the xenophobes, the alternative-reality media. We had assumed that they were postcards from the fringe.”

[Charlie Sykes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charlie-sykes/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Conservatives historically dismissed groups now seen as mainstream, underestimating their influence.

**In simple terms:** Conservatives ignored emerging groups, thinking they were fringe.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and engage with all societal voices.

Themes

politics media culture bias change

Mood

cautious inquisitive

Type

commentary analytical

When to use this quote

- campaign strategy
- media analysis
- public policy
- community outreach

Key Concepts

ideological blind spots media influence

Questions to Reflect On

- What voices are you overlooking?
- How can you broaden your perspective?

A Different Perspective

Overgeneralizing can alienate potential allies.

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[Bigots](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bigots/) [Conservatives](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/conservatives/) [Media](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/media/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/)

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