Fiscal policy and foreign policy were always why I was conservative to begin with. I wasn't a small government conservative so much as a "balance-the-budget" conservative, because ruling out tax increases as part of the solution was always insane. But any notion of fiscal restraint has gone out the window the past 4 years anyways and COVID has thrown a wrench into everything to boot. 2012 me would have been completely opposed to a government check like this and 2020 me is still very concerned about the massive deficits. Any GOP types crying about deficits and pork have lost all credibility after letting Trump go crazy for 4 years and passing a tax cut that was totally unnecessary.

On this specific item, $600 is almost useless, but I'm not sure there is an amount that really changes things for people that actually is in play. Either you've got an income that can support you through this or you're in such a big hole at the moment that you need a lot more than $2000. I would rather have seen more money go to targeted welfare, unemployment, and small business funds than blanket checks.

Mostly though I think it's an academic debate, because the $2000 checks aren't going to happen. Trump's big release yesterday was bluster meant to appease his base and show he's fighting. He won't get those checks, though I'm not sure he understands that.