Conservatives often say things not because they believe them to be true, but because of what they believe the effect will be. They seek power for themselves, and to subjugate others.
They might say "Free speech is paramount" today, but that's only because they want to say stuff without consequences. When you want to say something, they'll say it's dangerous and unpatriotic. The consistent theme is "I can do what I want. You do what I tell you". In-groups to protect, and out-groups to bind.
They are horrible people in some fundamental way.
Some of them might not even realize they're doing it. They're just riding the waves of their emotions.