What is the future of conservatism?

Paul Ryan , Romney’s running mate, has finally owned up to mis-speaking after lying on his running skills (Getty Images)

Jonah Goldberg, the author of a book called Liberal Fascism, has contributed to a survey by Commentary magazine asking the question: "What is the future of conservatism?" Is it an ideological, economics-heavy state-minimalism, of the kind espoused by former vice-presidential candidate Paul Ryan (pictured)? Or is it a more socially conscious, institution-building conservatism, of the kind David Cameron's Big Society is meant to represent?

Goldberg is a clear and compelling writer, as shown by his pay-off: "The vernacular of conservatism derives from a time when the country was churched and defined liberty as personal sovereignty. It needs to change to engage a country that is increasingly unchurched and incorrectly thinks liberty can and should be subsidized."

Incidentally, if you want to know where Goldberg is coming from, have a read of Gideon Rachman's marvellous review of the aforementioned Liberal Fascism.