[BearArms]

I agree that Arnold should make an effort to reach out to social conservatives. I understand the importance of big-tent politics, and the social conservatives are very important to Republican victories. But I'm skeptical that there's much more that Arnold can do to win over these folks.

For example, Arnold has already come out in support of banning partial-birth abortion and expressed support for parental notice laws -- policies which would mark a dramatic change in direction from the radical abortion policies of the ruling California Democrats -- but he's still blasted as being "pro-abortion" by many conservatives. Their tendency is to always see the glass half-empty rather than half-full. They demand full compliance with their litmus tests and will not accept compromise of any sort. That kind of stubbornness results in no movement at all for conservative causes, and many Democrat victories.

[SONbrad]

Well said. Bravo!

[skeeter]

That kind of stubbornness results in no movement at all for conservative causes, and many Democrat victories.

Yet the democrats manage to win while staying true to their own base. Do you contend that conservative principles are less marketable to the mushy middle than liberal ones?

[Protagoras]

but he's still blasted as being "pro-abortion" by many conservatives.

So he opposes abortion on demand?