I like conservatism but I also like to win.
Can’t we softpeddle the conservatism and just go for leadership, prosperity, security, less government and an American advantage?
You mean like in 2012?
In reality, Conservatism is always a winning strategy. Historically, both Calvin Coolidge and Ronald Reagan were unabashed Conservatives with huge ballot box successes. And, more recently Governor Sarah Palin had popularity numbers in Alaska that were staggering. America longs for a return to the Bible-based Conservatism of the Founding Fathers.
Cruz right now is building his base. I agree...his message has to evolve (not his views, but his message) to pull in the rest of the voters. This video is brief and only mentions conservatism once, but I do hope to see his speeches and tone take on new dimensions as it goes on. It would have to to win int he general. I believe his has a pretty good plan, and he and his team also seem to have good instincts. I suspect they have every intention to do so, and the first step is to build the grassroots army and funds. He’s doing that in spades.
Those ARE the basic principles of conservatism.
What Ted’s doing—that’s a winning strategy. Among the others, only Walker comes close.
Ted’s got his Cuban ancestry going for him—likely poaching moderate Dems, and Hispanic voters (a la Negroes voting for Obama).
Rubio, Carson, Perry, Santorum: They’re not Presidential material—Rubio and Perry are soft on immigration, Carson’s soft on guns, and Santorum’s somewhat worn, but would make for fine leaders in a Cruz or Walker government.
Jeb, Christie, the Pauls, Graham, and the rest: Whether they realise it or not, they really don’t have a snowball’s chance in Hell of going anywhere this time around.
We shall NOT be denied this time.
Cruz or lose
That you, Jeb?
What you want to go for is mostly what conservatism is all about, but the soft sell idea is a proven loser as the RINO’s of the past just sat there, soft selling.
We need push back, someone who will call the rats on their lies, misdeads and just plain outright propaganda.
It just feels good to have someone stand up for America instead of cower, hide and want to get along when the left defines getting along as totally caving in to principals. (did I just describe Boner and all the RINOS?)
Another soft seller RINO was Bush, and his compassionate conservatism, when defined was nothing more than democrat-lite on steroids.
Pleeeeeeeeze, no more soft sellers.
Here is what I have posted on a couple of other threads in respect of Conservatives vs LIEberals (I callem LIEberals because they LIE!):
“I have been agitating for a “High Noon” [POTUS] showdown between a LIEberal and a TRUE conservative my entire adult life.
[I am tired of GOPes and RINOs, who claim to be conservative, running and losing to the LIEberals! It is time to change tactics!]
“In 2016, we conservatives MUST KICK a lot of LIEberal/Socialist/Marxist/Fascist ass in the Presidential, Senatorial and Congressional elections!
“But to get to the General Election, we must prevail in the Primary Elections. To do that, we will have to KICK a lot of GOPe and RINO ass!
“Best we start now!
“PS Anybody have any ideas about how to unseat Chuckie Schumer?”
Can’t we softpeddle the conservatism and just go for leadership, prosperity, security, less government and an American advantage?
Did I miss the sarcasm tag?
Are you joking?
Did you miss the last two presidential elections where we "softpeddled conservatism"?
Wait. Is this Karl Rove?
You need an outsized approach to show you mean what you say. Romney and McCain took the “soft touch” approach and lost. Frankly, they took that approach and didn't believe one word of it.
Your approach fails.
No sarc tab? Mitt, we tried that already. Remember?
Can’t we softpeddle the conservatism and just go for leadership, prosperity, security, less government and an American advantage?
I'm guessing that Sequoyah101 didn't mean softpedal conservative policies but osftpedal the term "conservative" - and on that point (if it is the point) Cruz has agreed:
'"I don’t think I’m all that conservative. And it’s interesting. Reagan never once beat his chest and said, “I’m the most conservative guy who ever lived.” Reagan said, “I’m defending common sense principles—small businesses, small towns.”' - http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/3230968/posts