The Conservative's Handbook by Phil Valentine Summary

The Conservative's Handbook is a comprehensive guide that presents conservative viewpoints on major political and social issues arranged alphabetically from A to Z. Phil Valentine covers topics ranging from guns and global warming to education and abortion, providing what he calls "the right position" on each issue. The book serves as both a philosophical guide for conservatives and a rallying cry for preserving traditional American values.

Phil Valentine was an award-winning conservative talk radio host who authored three books, including The Conservative's Handbook. His nationally syndicated show "The Phil Valentine Show" aired on 100 stations and earned him 18 AIR Awards plus three prestigious New York Festivals awards, including the Gold World Medal for Best Talk Show Host. Valentine was ranked No. 47 on the 2021 Heavy Hundred list of top radio talk-show hosts before his death in August 2021.

The Conservative's Handbook is ideal for conservatives seeking a comprehensive reference guide on key political issues, as well as anyone wanting to understand conservative positions on contemporary debates. The book appeals to political activists, students of conservative philosophy, and readers looking for structured arguments on fiscal and social policies. It's particularly valuable for those engaged in political discussions who want well-organized talking points on conservative principles.

The Conservative's Handbook remains relevant as a foundational text for understanding conservative ideology on enduring political issues. While some specific policy debates may have evolved since publication, the core conservative principles Valentine outlines continue to shape political discourse today. The book's A-to-Z format makes it a practical reference tool for anyone studying conservative philosophy or engaging in political debates about fiscal and social policies.

The Conservative's Handbook addresses a comprehensive range of issues including guns, global warming, drugs, partial birth abortion, education, and various political topics. The alphabetical format allows readers to quickly reference conservative positions on specific subjects. Valentine provides detailed conservative arguments and counterpoints to progressive policies, making it a systematic exploration of right-wing ideology across multiple policy domains.

Valentine argues that conservatives must clearly define and defend their positions against what he perceives as progressive attempts to transform America into a socialist country. The book serves as both a defensive manual for conservative principles and an offensive strategy guide for political engagement. Valentine emphasizes the importance of preserving traditional American values while providing structured arguments against liberal policies and progressive political movements.

Unlike many conservative books that focus on single issues or personal narratives, The Conservative's Handbook provides a comprehensive A-to-Z reference format covering multiple policy areas. Valentine's background as a talk radio host gives the book a more accessible, conversational tone compared to academic conservative texts. The systematic alphabetical approach makes it more practical as a reference tool than narrative-driven conservative books by other authors.

Critics often challenge The Conservative's Handbook for presenting conservative viewpoints without adequately addressing counterarguments or acknowledging the complexity of many political issues. Some readers find Valentine's characterization of progressive policies as part of an "evil plan" to create socialism overly simplistic or inflammatory. The book's format, while useful for reference, may lack the nuanced analysis that complex political topics require for full understanding.

While Valentine authored three books total, The Conservative's Handbook stands out as his most systematic and comprehensive political work. Unlike his other writing, which includes fiction and entertainment content, this book serves specifically as a political reference guide and philosophical manual. The A-to-Z format makes it unique among Valentine's works as a practical tool for political engagement rather than entertainment or storytelling.

The Conservative's Handbook provides ready-made conservative arguments and talking points organized by topic, making it an effective preparation tool for political discussions. Valentine's systematic approach allows readers to quickly reference conservative positions on specific issues during debates. The book's comprehensive coverage helps conservative readers articulate their positions more effectively and understand the philosophical foundations underlying right-wing political ideology.