Michael Knowles on Conservative Principles and the American Future at AmFest 2025

Defining the Conservative "Team"

• 🇺🇸 To be on the conservative "team," one must love the country and want it to succeed and flourish.
• 🎯 Those who seem to hate the country, defame its builders, or seek to weaken it are explicitly excluded from this team.

The American People and Historical Lineage

• 👥 The conservative team acknowledges the existence of the American people as a real entity with a historical lineage and destiny, not just an abstract idea.
• 🚢 This lineage is traced from early settlers at Plymouth and Jamestown through subsequent historical experiences and expansion.
• 🌍 While acknowledging the integration of foreigners when it has worked, the emphasis is on those who embrace American customs and identity.

Core Conservative Beliefs

• ✝️ The American creed, rooted in principles of Christianity and liberty, states that we are one nation under God.
• 📜 This includes a belief in God's grace and providence, and a responsibility to cooperate with those principles.
• ⚖️ Core beliefs are broader than specific policies like marginal tax rates, diversity slogans, or economic orthodoxies.

Willingness to Sacrifice and Contribute

• 🤝 Being on the team requires a willingness to sacrifice, contribute, and sometimes negotiate or compromise.
• 🎭 Those attracted to politics for fame or money, rather than genuine contribution, are seen as unhelpful.
• 🚀 The example of Charlie Kirk is used to illustrate dedication to behind-the-scenes work, negotiations, and campaigns to advance conservatism and improve the country.

Engaging Future Generations

• 💡 The youngest political generation, "zoomers," will demand solutions to specific problems like employment and housing.
• 🗣️ Conservatives must confront new challenges with humility and patience, refining their message to match the current moment.
• 🚩 Alternatively, factions can retreat, leading to the country being handed over to those who would destroy it.