Fiscally conservative Democrat? That went out with JFK.
I don't think Nixon suggests conservative cred either.
Nixon signed off on more entitlement legislation and grew the federal govt. more than our Great Society president.
To quote the great philosopher Popeye "I yam what I yam". I don't believe in government waste or is that only something only a "conservative" can believe in? I've been working since I was seven years old and was able to retire debt free at age 59. Let me give you an example of my personal financial conservative nature. Years ago I re-financed my home when interest rates dropped and the loan officer couldn't believe I didn't want to take out additional cash since the equity in my home was so high. I told him I didn't need any additional money - only my interest rate lowered. My God, did that make me a conservative Republican or just a wise money manager? If the government managed their assets and money like my wife and I do the country would be much better off. We're invested heavily in real estate, as well as the stock market, and don't owe a penny on any of the eight properties we own. Just because I've voted for Democrats don't think I don't know the value of a dollar and how to make it grow. You may think there hasn't been a fiscally conservative Democrat since JFK but we're out there.
I don't follow any strict party line as I will vote for, in my opinion, the best candidate for the office. I voted Republican for Washington State Governor and county commissioner and Democrat for President though I'll be truthful and say I probably vote 65% for Democrats. Does that make me an irresponsible tax and spend Liberal? My wife voted for a Democrat for the first time when McCain ran for President. She wasn't worried so much about McCain but had her doubts about his running mate and a very conservative party platform. I asked her if she had left the Republican party and she said "no, the party has left me". She votes about 65% Republican now.
Did I say Nixon was a "conservative"? No, he was a "Republican" like Eisenhower and Reagan. None of these Presidents would even be allowed to run for office in the Republican party today as they aren't "conservative" enough. Reagan initially cut taxes dramatically but over the course of his presidency raised taxes eleven times. Eisenhower was responsible for the interstate highway system and warned us of the military industrial complex and Nixon was the prime force behind the EPA. Todays conservatives would find the actions of those men appalling.
Even John McCain isn't considered "conservative" enough for the Republican Party in Arizona.
Personally I would benefit more financially from the conservative programs than the more liberal based programs but there's a part of me that wants to see the single mom with three kids helped until she can get back on her feet. I believe we need to help those that can't help themselves and for them I'll gladly pay my fair share of taxes. I don't support welfare for people who don't want to work.
As far as political parties go I'd like to see the right wing conservative Tea Party folks form their own party and give back the Republican party to people who can work with the Democrats to make this a better nation. Who knows, maybe I'll vote Republican again if another "Eisenhower" runs for office.
Look, I know I'm not going to change anybody's mind concerning politics and frankly I hope that everybody who comments in this thread is successful in their life and business and continues to vote for the party or person they deem most qualified.