But briefly, the Federal payroll was larger when Reagan left office in 1989 than it was when he took office in January 1981. As was the deficit. His tax cuts were not coupled with reduced spending, so when he had no choice but to increase taxes, his tax increases were proportionately the largest in history, up until that time. Conservative fiscal policy is all about reducing taxes and the bloated size of government. Reagan and the Bushes did one but not the other.

I could provide many more examples why they were faux Conservatives but would rather not. Call me lazy.