- Bari Weiss warns about the rise of illiberalism within the far-right, likening it to the far-left’s erosion of moral boundaries.
- She emphasizes the need for conservatives to uphold key principles like the rule of law and individual rights to protect Western values.
- Weiss critiques far-right rhetoric prioritizing power over principle, cautioning it could undermine the center-right and Western civilization itself.
Bari Weiss, founder of The Free Press and former New York Times editor, has issued a stark warning about the rise of illiberalism within the far-right. In a recent speech at the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship, Weiss likened this faction to its far-left counterpart, accusing both sides of erasing the lines between good and evil. Her remarks come at a pivotal moment when conservatism faces an existential crossroads.
Illiberalism Is on the Rise
Weiss began her speech by reflecting on the political shifts that culminated in Donald Trump’s surprise victory in 2024. She argued that movements lacking clear boundaries and firmly held values cannot endure. “If a political movement does not police its ranks, if it neglects to protect its borders, it cannot long endure,” Weiss stated.
She then outlined key values she believes are essential for a civilization to thrive: the rule of law, individual inalienable rights, and a rejection of mob violence. Weiss stressed that these principles are neither left nor right but foundational to Western society.
Speaking at the @Arc_Forum, @BariWeiss warns conservatives that if an ascendant far-right goes unchecked, it could cause the movement’s future downfall.
“If you aren’t aware of the dangers that come with apparent victory, if you think,‘That’s impossible,’ I believe you are as… pic.twitter.com/lkTuo47nfO
— The Free Press (@TheFP) February 18, 2025
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Far-Right Embraces Illiberal Rhetoric
Weiss criticized the far-right for adopting dangerous rhetoric similar to the far-left. She highlighted the growing belief among some conservatives that “we are at war at home,” which they use to justify abandoning traditional values. This group, Weiss explained, dismisses reform as futile and instead calls for burning down the system entirely.
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Such attitudes, Weiss warned, lead to the erasure of moral and historical boundaries. For instance, just as the far-left defaces statues of historical figures like Winston Churchill, some far-right ideologues desecrate Churchill’s memory by falsely labeling him the “chief villain” of World War II—a claim aired by Tucker Carlson.
Tucker Carlson Under Fire
Weiss’s remarks included indirect criticism of controversial figures like Carlson, who has openly questioned Churchill’s legacy. In a 2022 episode of his show, Carlson praised internet personality Darryl Cooper, who described Churchill as a villain and downplayed the Holocaust. Carlson also recently questioned Churchill’s role in saving Western civilization.
Carlson has further clashed with Weiss over their differing views on Israel. While Weiss is a staunch supporter of the Jewish state, Carlson has amplified anti-Israel narratives, even accusing it of targeting Christians.
The Danger of Power Over Principle
Weiss emphasized that both the far-right and far-left are increasingly prioritizing power over principle. This trend, she argued, undermines the shared values that hold society together. “If this continues without being challenged,” she cautioned, “we may end up watching the far-right destroy what remains of the center-right.”
She implored conservatives to resist these illiberal trends, emphasizing that Western values and America’s complex history—flawed yet heroic—are worth defending.
A Call to Action for the Right
Weiss’s speech serves as a wake-up call for the right to confront its internal challenges. She urged conservatives to reject the nihilistic rhetoric of the far-right and instead uphold the principles that define Western civilization.
Weiss concluded by warning of the consequences of ignoring these threats. “If you think it’s impossible, you’re as naive as the professors who still email me saying, ‘Can you believe what’s happening?’ And yes, I can.”
What Does This Mean for Conservatism?
Weiss‘s critique highlights the need for introspection within conservative circles. As both sides of the political spectrum grapple with illiberal elements, the question remains: How can conservatives preserve their values while navigating a polarized landscape?
The rise of figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk has reshaped the Republican Party and introduced new challenges. Meanwhile, leaders like Sean “Diddy” Combs are influencing broader cultural conversations, further complicating the political terrain.
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What do you think about Bari Weiss’s warnings? Is the far-right undermining conservatism’s core values? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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This is the same old regurgitated crap, labeling anyone you disagree with as “far right”, while pretending to be the “middle right” voice of reason. This is the middle right of the Koch brothers, and the same fear mongering partnership with the parasite left – warning about “burning everything down”. Lofty talk, considering they have spent decades torching everything that made this country a place that people aspired to come take part in. We reject you, Bari. You and the Koch Brothers, and the WSJ, and the NYT that you used to shill for. We rejected you in the election, with our eyes wide open to what that entailed.
You people have thrived on importing “cheap” labor for big business, while shifting half of their cost to working class taxpayers. You have maintained a perfect tension in the Middle East that makes sure the military industrial complex continues to have an unlimited flow of money. You aren’t worried about the safety of “the system”, you want your gravy train to remain after a few obligatory cuts are made. We see you.
Sorry, there’s more. The values you claim to espouse that are “neither right or left”? The greatest mob violence we have seen in this country in at least a century was perpetrated by the left. The greatest suspensions of the rule of law have been perpetrated by the left. The worst assaults on individual inalienable rights have been perpetrated by the left. (Do you even understand that “left” comes from the French Revolution, describing revolutionaries?) There is a pattern here, and your pleas are transparent attempts to further the things that have torn at the fabric of our society. You have advanced victimhood to continue your own victimization. We see you.
Let’s face it, the GOP has been hijacked by small “l” libertarians posing as MAGA conservatives. I voted for Trump the first two times, but when he came out of the closet in the ’22 midterms as a libertarian who supported abortion, legalizing pot, and KGB Colonel Putin, I had to leave the top of the ’24 ballot unchecked. Almost the entire Trump “team” is made up of ostracized Democrats who turned libertarian.
To be brief, Liberals and L(l)ibertarians are just two sides of the same coin of Libertinism. Liberals embrace collectivism while their libertarian cousins embrace Voluntaryism to the point of anarchy. It’s 1984/Animal Farm vs. The Lord Of The Flies. No surprise that both sides are also largely composed of atheists & agnostics.
I have many friends, family & coworkers who voted in desperation for Trump over Kamala as the lesser of two evils. However, it won’t take much to turn Trump & Team into another Thomas Paine who forsook the American Revolution for the French one…
Weiss is an idiot – the clip of her on Joe Rogan where she has to ask for help defining a simple word shows she is an empty suit. I am always amused when a NYT personality gives advice to conservatives.