The activist use of government to help individuals get ahead may not sound controversial. Among Republicans, it is. In the 1996 presidential election, Dole's domestic message focused on the limits and flaws of the federal government -- he talked endlessly of the 10th Amendment to the Constitution, which constrains federal power in favor of the states. In 2000, Bush's main domestic proposal concerned the use of federal power to catalyze state education reform -- a head-snapping contrast.

Second, Rove has argued that tending to your political base and reaching beyond it are not incompatible. He talks of raising "bold colors" on conservative issues such as tax cuts, the protection of unborn life and the appointment of originalist judges. At the same time, he has advocated policy innovations to appeal to new voters. "How can it be all about the base," asks former Republican National Committee chairman Ken Mehlman, "when Karl is also the biggest supporter of prescription drugs for seniors and immigration reform that allows for earned legalization?" From 2000 to 2004, this approach excited conservative enthusiasm; boosted President Bush's support among Hispanics, Asian Americans, Catholics and women; and increased his popular vote total in his reelection bid by 23 percent.

Third, Rove has argued that the Republican Party will need to appeal to minorities or gradually decline. "We can't be the party of America," he says, "and get 13 percent of the African American vote." And given demographic trends, it is hard to imagine that Republicans will remain a national party if they alienate Latinos. Looking back at his career, Rove is particularly proud that "when we ran in Texas in 1998, among the statewide Republican ticket, a minority of the candidates were white men." Rove has shown a consistent commitment to inclusion, as both a moral good and a political necessity.

It is sometimes alleged that Rove's arguments have not fully prevailed in the GOP -- which is true. It is further alleged that these arguments have been discredited by events -- which is not true. The complications of Iraq have obscured Rove's victories, not undone them. And his key historical insight is unavoidable: Republicans win as conservative reformers.