For anyone who is actually serious about learning more about conservatism, a good place to start is the Russell Kirk Center (link below.) I would also highly recommend his book entitled "A Conservative Mind."
The Kirk Center - Biography of Russell Kirk
I would caution that if one thinks conservatism can be reduced to a set of bullet points describing positions on issues, they will be highly disappointed. One can certainly draw conclusions about what those positions might be from an understanding of the philosophy, but it is more a way of thinking and attitude that one applies to personal and public life. It is the antithesis of ideology.
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When asked "At what point does a baby get human rights, in your view?," McCain answered "At the moment of conception." Obama's answer here was flaming-dirigible bad:
Whether you are looking at it from a theological perspective or a scientific perspective, answering that question with specificity is, you know, above my pay grade.
That spectacularly inept metaphor is going to haunt Obama throughout the rest of the campaign.