Rev. Colleen Irwin

Alex P. Keaton, the ambitious, blazer-wearing conservative teen from Family Ties, became an icon of the 1980s. As the eldest son of two liberal parents, Alex embodied the political and cultural divide of his time, idolizing Ronald Reagan and embracing capitalism and personal responsibility. But what if we dropped Alex into today’s political landscape? How would his values evolve in a world vastly different from the one he knew?

A Mix of Rebellion and Reaganism

Alex’s conservatism wasn’t just about ideology—it was rebellion against his parents’ countercultural lifestyle. Raised by socially conscious liberals, Alex craved structure, order, and financial success, things Reagan’s policies seemed to offer. But teenage rebellion only takes you so far.
As Alex matured, life’s complexities may have reshaped his views. Just as Jimmy Carter was later appreciated for his diplomacy and humanitarian efforts, Alex might have come to value policies that promote compassion alongside ambition. His path could reflect a common theme: the transition from youthful ideology to a more nuanced understanding of the world.

Reagan’s Legacy vs. Modern Conservatism

If Alex admired Reagan’s optimism and emphasis on fiscal responsibility, how would he respond to today’s political climate? It’s likely he’d be horrified by the shift from Reagan’s decorum to the divisiveness of Trump-era politics. While Alex appreciated winning, Trump’s chaotic style and disregard for institutional norms would clash with Alex’s pragmatic nature.
Rather than aligning with the GOP’s populist wing, Alex might become politically independent. His analytical mind would favor practical solutions over emotional rhetoric, seeking a middle ground between financial conservatism and social progress.

Family Values and Social Progress

Throughout Family Ties, Alex grew closer to his family, especially his youngest brother Andy, whom he tried to mold in his conservative image. As an adult, Alex’s life would likely revolve around a close-knit family, balancing ambition with relationships. His experiences with sisters, a mother, and a wife might deepen his understanding of equality, especially regarding gender roles.
And maybe, just maybe, Alex would have a gay son. In a world increasingly focused on diversity and inclusion, Alex’s love for his family could inspire him to become an advocate for equality, blending progressive values with his pragmatic nature.

Redefining Success: The Work-Life Balance

Alex’s early obsession with personal success likely led him down a path of hard work, but at a cost—perhaps missing family milestones along the way. After a period of prioritizing work over life, Alex would come to redefine success, understanding that fulfillment requires more than professional achievements.
His personal growth would mirror what many people discover: it’s not about sacrificing one for the other, but about finding balance between ambition and relationships. Alex’s shift in perspective could lead him to become an advocate for a more holistic view of success.

From Rebel to Unifier

In today’s polarized world, Alex’s natural leadership and pragmatic mindset would drive him toward becoming a unifier. His ability to see multiple perspectives, combined with the values instilled by his parents, would position him as someone capable of bridging divides. Whether through politics or community work, Alex would focus on practical solutions, advocating for respectful dialogue across ideological lines.
His evolution from a staunch Reaganite to a thoughtful leader reflects a broader truth: personal growth is about integrating different experiences and values, not rigidly holding onto youthful beliefs.

Growth, Reflection, and the Power of Change

His ambition wouldn’t disappear, but it would be tempered by the understanding that life’s most valuable achievements aren’t always measurable in dollars and cents.
Perhaps Alex’s journey reminds us that it’s okay to evolve. As he learned from his parents—and maybe from his own mistakes—real success is about balancing who you were with who you can become. And maybe, just maybe, Alex P. Keaton would show us that growth isn’t a betrayal of who we once were—it’s the fulfillment of who we were always meant to be.