Ed Feulner, the visionary founder of the Heritage Foundation who revolutionized conservative politics in Washington, died on July 18 at age 83.
According to Breitbart, Feulner's four-decade leadership transformed the think tank from a small Capitol Hill townhouse into an influential conservative powerhouse.
The Chicago native's strategic proximity to political power, just blocks from the U.S. Senate, enabled Heritage to effectively translate conservative ideology into tangible policy outcomes. His innovative approach to policy influence reshaped how think tanks operate in Washington and created a lasting impact on American conservatism.
When Feulner arrived in Washington in the mid-1960s, Republicans faced significant challenges despite electoral victories. The liberal Great Society programs of President Lyndon B. Johnson dominated Congress, while conservative initiatives struggled to gain traction.
Nixon's landslide victory in 1972, winning 49 states with nearly 61% of the vote, still failed to advance conservative policies effectively. The liberal establishment, including media and bureaucracy, successfully blocked Nixon's attempts to dismantle progressive programs.
This political landscape prompted Feulner, along with allies Joe Coors and Paul Weyrich, to establish the Heritage Foundation in 1973. Their mission was to build a conservative talent pipeline that could effectively implement right-wing policies when Republicans held power.
Feulner pioneered a new approach to policy influence by prioritizing accessible, concise communication over lengthy academic papers. His signature innovation was the two-page policy brief, designed to provide Congressional staffers with clear conservative positions and solutions.
Heritage developed a system of informative seminars and consultations that made complex conservative ideas more digestible for policymakers. The foundation's emphasis on brevity and clarity helped transform abstract conservative principles into practical legislation.
This strategic evolution created what became known as the "Heritage machine" - a conveyor belt of conservative talent moving between Capitol Hill and the think tank. The system ensured ideological consistency while building trusted networks throughout government.
The election of Ronald Reagan in 1981 marked a turning point for Heritage's influence in American politics. Feulner's close relationship with Reagan helped extend the foundation's reach into the executive branch.
Heritage's growing prominence attracted both admirers and critics across the political spectrum. The think tank's ability to shape policy debates and place conservative thinkers in key government positions became widely recognized.
During this period, Heritage established itself as the preeminent conservative think tank in Washington. Its influence continued to expand through subsequent administrations, including its significant role during the Trump presidency.
Ed Feulner's vision for conservative policy influence has left an indelible mark on American politics. His strategic innovation in think tank operations transformed how policy ideas move from conception to implementation in Washington.
The Heritage Foundation's evolution from a modest Capitol Hill operation to a commanding presence on Massachusetts Avenue reflects Feulner's careful cultivation of conservative influence. His emphasis on developing both ideas and talent created a sustainable model for advancing conservative principles.
Though Feulner preferred working behind the scenes, his impact on conservative politics spans half a century. His passing marks the end of an era in conservative thought leadership, but his institutional legacy continues through the Heritage Foundation's ongoing influence in American politics.
