[hchutch]

If they will not, at a minimum, give George W. Bush their votes, why should be stick his neck out for them?

Answer THAT question.

[NittanyLion]

If they will not, at a minimum, give George W. Bush their votes, why should be stick his neck out for them? Answer THAT question.

There's an inherent difference in our perception of roles. I believe a politician should inform the electorate of his/her beliefs, and individual voters should then cast their vote based upon whether they agree with the vision or not.

You believe voters should cast their vote without regard to principles in hopes that they will get into the good graces of a politician, who will then pander to their wants/needs.

You see, it will be difficult for us to reach agreement when the very essence of how we perceive politics differs so radically.

[George W. Bush]

If they will not, at a minimum, give George W. Bush their votes, why should be stick his neck out for them? Answer THAT question.

Because they need the votes, like always. Their problem is that they want the votes but won't deliver (judges, smaller government, lower spending).

These stay-homes, a natural part of the conservative base, are basically saying that they don't believe the GOP intends to deliver on its promises. And these are people known to be living and were once solid registered Republican voters in multiple primaries and elections. And now they aren't showing up. Their number has been growing noticably since '96.

Top GOP leaders like Dole have for many years complained about the Religious Right and the conservative base in general. Dole went so far as to declare his own party platform dead on arrival. They've always wanted to dump us and they've made it very clear. But they simply cannot win without us.

It's not our fault if you have a tin ear.