“Where did you ever get the idea your fevered imagination has ANY credibility as political analysis? Rudy’s appeal was stricktly regional, and social conservatives (read: religious) have been a target of McCain’s for years.”
You’re right, his appeal was regional—which was precisely why we should have nominated him. There was no way the GOP was going to lose the South or the heartland to Obama. We had the red states in our pocket—so what was the point of nominating someone appealing JUST TO THOSE STATES? We needed somebody to win PA and OH, NJ and CT—not a Huckabee or a McCain. It was stupid thinking—but we’re not called the Stupid Party for nothing.
And the social conservatives made peace with McCain before the primary in SC—where he got 40% of the evangelical vote alone—far more than any other candidate.
Are you kidding? Where the hell do you think Florida is located? Obama was the first democrat to win there in a quarter century.
Furthermore, what evidence do you have Rudy wouldn't have flipped any others if he actually had to campaign as the nominee?
Finally, I don't know how you translate 40% into "peace," but I'm guessing plausible is all you're looking for.