[areafiftyone]

(((((PING))))

[MittFan08]

"But conservatives need to get over any fantasies they may harbor about the Gingrich administration that never will be"

Follow the big money and that will tell you who the realistic candidates are. It's easy to click on an online poll for Duncan Hunter or Newt Gingrich, but look carefully at the number of people who have put their money with their mouth is and that will tell the real tale. People tend not to waste their money on pipe dream candidates, especially the saavy large donors.

[melancholy]

the article's implication that there is some sort of conservative groundswell for Chuck Hagel, on isolationist grounds..........

Where did they get this sh!t from?

.

[My2Cents]

The reason the GOP won't nominate a pure conservative (whatever that is) in 2008 is because there isn't one conservative of national stature since Reagan who has emerged to lead the faithful. Rather than complain about the current crop of top-tier candidates in the Republican Party, why aren't conservatives taking stock of the movement and asking why the dominant political ideology in America isn't producing any real leaders? The bankruptcy of leadership is indicated in that some here on FR actually take seriously the suggestion that Michael Savage should run for President.

[You Dirty Rats]

And who, if we put Reagan to one side, is the conservative paragon that the current candidates don't live up to? William McKinley, maybe? I can't think of anyone else in the last century.

There's Barry Goldwater, but he's not exactly the best evidence for the idea that the way to win elections is to nominate a "true" conservative and victory will be assured.

There were many pressure groups that took credit for Reagan's 1980 victory and still believe they alone decide elections -- this despite the fact that the great 1980 victory was more due to Reagan's great campaigning skills and Carter's disastrous Presidency than to an overwhelming commitment on the part of a majority of voters to conservatism, particularly social conservatism.

Reagan was the most popular politician in the country in 1980 and 1984. Clinton had popularity and nothing else. Popularity is not necessarily the deciding factor, but it sure does help!! And who, among ALL Republicans nationally, is the most popular and respected? RUDY!!

[Irish Eyes]

Thanks for the ping.. Good article.

[DKNY]

"the key issue of our time, victory in the war against Islamic extremism."

That says it all...