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That's because the point about the media was central to his argument. He said that our primary goal must be to change hearts and minds, and that means control over the media.

The problem, however, is that simply voting for the first R to come down the pike doesn't necessary accomplish that. In fact, if he's only a mild, appeasing sort of Republican (you know the type - "compassionate conservatives"), then it could seriously weaken the conservative media. It wouldn't necessarily weaken the careers of the commentators themselves, but the message most definitely suffers. Why? Because they become complacent, and no longer talk about republican virtues and constitutional government, but instead do nothing about gloat about how they're doing so much better than the Democrats. Unfortunately, that doesn't do much to sway the opinions of large numbers of people towards their cause, and if anything probably turns away the undecided.

Voting for solid conservatives, on the other hand - even if we have to go to a third party to do it - proves that there are people out there who aren't afraid to show their conservative colors, that what they believe is of paramount importance. This will help galvanize conservative media into carrying its message loudly and clearly into the public debate. There is simply no more effective method of doing this than voting for solid conservatives (despite the small risks involved).

"Voting for solid conservatives, on the other hand - even if we have to go to a third party to do it - proves that there are people out there who aren't afraid to show their conservative colors, that what they believe is of paramount importance. This will help galvanize conservative media into carrying its message loudly and clearly into the public debate."

Um, the conservative media is not the problem. The conservative media has been producing TREMENDOUS amounts of articles concerning the unease many conservatives feel with spending, immigration, etc. It's hardly a secret in conservative circles. Are you seeing a lack of threads on FR where this is being discussed? I see tons of them, and they're not all vanity threads like this one - they're based on articles from conservative media complaining about the same things you are.

The -rest- of the media is the problem. The bulk of the apathetic public just accepts the liberal line given them on CBS/ABC/NBC/CNN, and the media has gotten away with it while Democrats were the dominant party. Should the Republicans sweep in 2004, even the liberal media won't be able to get away with utterly distorting the conservative message anymore, they simply won't be able to hold onto the ratings.

Bush is co-opting those specific Leftist issues that most attract the voting public. Democrats have nothing else to stand on. He is practically -eliminating- the party of treason, that wants to hand over sovereignty to the U.N., the World Court, Kyoto, etc. If you think it's hard to swing things back to conservatism -now-, just wait till Canadian and French citizens get a vote on our tax rates and social programs.

The collapse of the Dem party isn't just a nice-to-have, it's absolutely -vital- right now. If there isn't a clear and overwhelming mandate -against- them in 2004, things will get much worse very quickly, believe me.

By the way, I believe you said that the right message will be sent if you vote for the Constitution party. Well, the Canadian conservative party split in two over the exact same kind of reasons you cite here. Look how well that's paid off for them, and look at what message it sent. They've had a massive liberal majority for over a decade, despite a solid half of their population being conservative. DON'T TURN THE U.S. INTO CANADA!

When the Dem party has been marginalized, THEN it can become time to make a stink about where the Republicans have gone wrong (and -that- will be the time for a 3rd party to rise up closer to your values). But screwing around before then is dangerous as hell. If there was a psychotic axe-wielding maniac running around in your house, I don't think you'd hesitate to call your local police even if you did think there was some corruption going on in the department. Or would you?

Qwinn

You couldn't be more incorrect, if you tried to be, for the next 1,000 years!

Vote for the fringe of the fringe of the fringe Constitution Party, or whatever, and you'll be ignored by ALL of the media; including FNC.It sends absolutely NO " message ", other than that the fringe don"t count, can't be counted on by the GOP,and will force the GOP to go farther left, to attract the " middle of the roaders ", who won't go off and vote for a third party.

You say it's " small risks ", to vote fringe ? SMALL ? The sovereignty and safety of this nation, is far from something " small "; which obviously, you have a rather difficult time comprehending.

And just WHO are these " solid Conservatives " and by WHOSE lights ? When even the fringiedst of FREEPERS are unable to agree on that query, you're in far more trouble than you know.

You still don't get it do you? The conservative media preaches to the choir. If Rush Limbaugh talked to anyone but the right, Bill Clinton would not have been elected president and Hillary would not be in the Senate.

The victor in every election is determined by how the center votes. The swing voters deterimine who wins. The centrists don't listen to read or follow the conservative media. Get a clue! Only conservatives follow conservative media and only the centrist swing voters can give a movement victory.

The media tries to influence how people vote. The way people vote does not influence the media.

Have you ever thought of buying a clue?