The Pew Forum invited former presidential speech writer Michael Gerson to discuss his new book, Heroic Conservatism, with Pew Forum senior advisors Michael Cromartie and E.J. Dionne Jr. and a select group of journalists and religion bloggers. Gerson was challenged to define “heroic conservatism” and critique the Bush administration’s record on implementing the “compassionate conservative” philosophy Gerson himself helped to craft. Offering criticism and praise to both parties, Gerson lamented the lack of Republican support for domestic social justice issues, while calling on all Americans, in spite of the difficulties in Iraq, not to give up on a “moral internationalism.”

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