Conservative [1] – con·ser·va·tive
adj.
- Favoring traditional views and values; tending to oppose change.
- Traditional or restrained in style: a conservative dark suit.
- Moderate; cautious: a conservative estimate.
n.
- One favoring traditional views and values.
- A supporter of political conservatism.
Radical [2] – rad·i·cal
adj.
- Arising from or going to a root or source;
- Departing markedly from the usual or customary;
- Favoring or effecting fundamental or revolutionary changes in current practices, conditions, or institutions
n.
- One who advocates fundamental or revolutionary changes in current practices, conditions, or institutions: radicals seeking to overthrow the social order.
Harry Reid: “The nomination of Judge Alito requires an especially long, hard look by the Senate because of what happened last week to Harriet Miers. Conservative activists forced Miers to withdraw from consideration for this same Supreme Court seat because she was not radical enough for them. Now the Senate needs to find out if the man replacing Miers is too radical for the American people.”
Technically speaking, isn’t a “radical conservative” an oxymoron [3]? Didn’t Reid probably mean “militant” or something?