This writer makes a very good point.
You have to provide and be able to articulate why conservative policies are best for the country and for its citizens.
But you also have to get that message out.
And if all you have to offer conservatives is a pro-life candidate, that won’t get people to the polls.
Truth be told, the Republicans screwed the fiscal conservatives, but what did they actually accomplish for social conservatives. Abortion is still legal in this country. Heck, MORE protections for abortion were implemented.
The second Bush term did not get particularly good support from the Christian Right, and McCain got even less.
Pro-Life was not supported by the Republicans this time around, and that is probably what got them beat, more than any other thing. There was almost no support from the Christian networking resources this time around.
Pro-Life networks that I am associated with were stone dead flat in supporting the McCain/Palin ticket, or were actively against it. I literally don't know of anyone IRL that supported the ticket in dollars or votes, and normally, that has been quite the other way around, regarding Republicans.
Truth be told, the Republicans screwed the fiscal conservatives
Truth be told, the Republicans have been screwing all Conservatives, and have been doing so ever since Reagan stepped down.
But you also have to get that message out.
That is what the party is supposed to do. Look at what happened when an unknown populist semi-conservative (moderate) governor was afforded the full power and limelight that party backing can provide. Imagine what would happen if the same were given to a rock-ribbed dyed-in-the-wool Reagan Conservative, and if that exposure was not given begrudgingly.