The reason I would raise an issue with most conservative “think tanks” as sources for fact claims is that I read, and have for years read, their output extensively. The same is true with center-right (liberal) and progressive think tanks in general (there arr a very few exceptions in each category.)
If you are using them as fact sources, you might need more outlets that aren’t ideological propaganda mills in your own reading.
On a personal note, this war on words has turned me off from most debates because hollow sophistry is deemed a virtue by the loudest voices. Excluded middle, and all that.
How does this explain their stance on issues like gay marriage, trans rights, abortion, and criminal justice? We really have to stop saying that American conservatives are primarily motivated by small government.
This is a very popular cliché, and while the conclusion might hold, the logic doesn't, in my opinion.
If the US did have true conservatives, then they would be conserving what is in the US, not Europe.
And I think it's widely considered that the existing order in the US has more elements of economic liberalism.
On the other hand, the Republicans who like that sort of thing seem increasingly marginalized anyway, so as I said, the conclusion may still be correct.
Interesting article, though.