Speak for yourself. JimRob ended up endorsing Ah-Nold over McClintock, and that decision certainly wasn't because JimRob thought that Ah-Nold was the more conservative candidate.
There's no point in backing someone who (a) isn't interested or (b) has no realistic chance to win. I agree with you that it is TOO EARLY to come to any firm conclusions about the 2008 nominee. However, anyone who really wants the nomination needs to get in the process NOW or it will be too late. Talk of Fred Thompson or Jeb Bush is a waste of time; they aren't interested.
The Republican Party does not nominate unknowns. I think the deck is stacked against people like Duncan Hunter who are trying to come out of the House with no national profile and not even a leadership position in the House. Same with Tancredo.
It is likely to be one of the top four now. In that group, I think Gingrich has too much baggage; McCain is distrusted and disliked by his fellow Republican pols and by the voters; and Rudy is clearly a stronger candidate than Romney.
It's too early to come to any firm conclusions, but at this point I'd have to say Rudy has the best chance no matter how many times those that dislike him here post articles from the 1990's on the guy.
I am speaking for myself. Thats my opinion. You don't like it, too bad! JimRob has already denounced Rudy Giulinai`s candidacy as him being far too liberal to gain the GOP nomination. What "real" conservative wants wants a big govt, pro-abort, anti-gun, pro-gay, pro-illegal at the top of the GOP ticket? Lets stop talking about selling out just to win. Besides, the right cosnervative can win. Everytime Republicans choose the lesser of two evils, we always lose.
During the Cal recall campaign, Jim was backing Tom McClintock, not Arnold. 1-2 days before the election he announced he would be voting for Arnold. Here we are with 22 months to go and Jim is speaking out loudly. That counts for something, but its still only one vote. Conservatives will not vote for Rudy in the primaries. Wanna bet?
Something is wrong with McCain. Really wrong.
You realize, I hope, that any posting of commonsense will result in massive assault from the Implacables.