Compassionate conservatism is a political philosophy that stresses using traditionally Conservative techniques and concepts in order to improve the general welfare of society.

In the United States
More fundamentalist conservatives and many on the political left have criticized compassionate conservatism as just another word for a political moderate, in addition to expressing significant doubt of its existence, regardless of whether the person taking the position is a Democrat, Republican or a member of a third party.
Political opponents of conservatives have also claimed that compassionate conservatism is a meaningless phrase or an oxymoron, and an example of hypocrisy intended to confuse voters and simultaneously appeal to the middle and right of the political spectrum. Proponents often respond to this objection by noting that critics seem more concerned about religious community involvement than for the individuals receiving aid from these faith-based organizations.
Comedian Robin Williams has regularly described compassionate conservatism as sounding like "a Volvo with a gunrack."