I used to believe that evangelicals' religious principles drove their political beliefs (and maybe that used to be true), but now, I'm certain it's the opposite.
Jesus. Is that true? I'm an old now, but only 12 at the time. Every problem in the country can be drawn on graph where the lines lead to that guy. Shit got traction with him because he got the evangelicals on board, but I'd argue the evil in the modern conservative movement starts with Nixon. Sabotaged peace talks with North Vietnam to influence the 1968 election. Created an enemies list and spied on the American opposition. Started the War on Drugs as a way to attack recently won civil rights. Used corrupt campaign dollars through secret slush funds for illegal donations from corporations and the rich. Obstructed justice by repeatedly defying special prosecutor and congressional subpoenas for the release of WH tapes. Watergate/Saturday Night Massacre. Edit: I should add that the evil shit in the modern conservative movement was there before Nixon, but he was the first to gain power.