Final answer:
Conservatives in the late 1970s and 1980s used media and popular culture, which they often criticized, to spread their message and gain political success. Emphasizing traditional values, they sought to reduce federal government power, oppose liberal social policies, and leveraged growing public distrust in government.
Step-by-step explanation:
Conservatives in the late 1970s and 1980s criticized American culture while also capitalizing on some of its aspects for political success. The irony may lie in the fact that a key to their success was the strategic use of media and popular culture; tools that they often criticized for promoting values counter to their agenda. New media technology was on the rise, and the conservative movement utilized this to circulate their message, thereby resonating with the longing for traditional values amidst a time of rapid cultural change. They leveraged simple, direct messaging to appeal to many Americans' sense of justice and nostalgia for the past.
Politically, conservatives aimed to limit federal government power and curtail liberal policies such as affirmative action. Socially, they opposed movements for abortion rights and gay and lesbian rights, advocating for a return to 'traditional' family values. The New Right, as they were known, exploited the public's growing distrust of government, and conservative think tanks and commentators influenced the national dialogue significantly. During this period, America's popular culture saw a shift away from the idealism of the 1960s, with the nation grappling with the consequences of Vietnam, Watergate, and economic challenges, which conservatives used to their rhetorical advantage.