[Itzlzha]

Why preach to the choir? We're trying to bring more folks to the table, and trotting out the base isn't going to do it. It will confirm the stereotype the liberals and the press have of Republicans. Why should we help them?

If you only allow the minority opinion to be shown (and you admit this because you refer to Conservatives as "the base"), how do you then say that Conservatives are the heart of the Party?

If you marginalize the base, what does that say about your plans for the Party?

Why do you feel that "It will confirm the stereotype the liberals and the press have of Republicans"? Aren't you then "preaching" to the squish-moderates, who change direction more often than a windsock?

Couldn't you make the argument that showing a strong Conservative base would woo others who feel "disenfranchised" as EVERYONE is trying to woo the squish-moderates?

Aren't Conservatives on BOTH sides basically the "house-N's" of the Parties, as they are told to shut up and take it, and only are allowed any voice when it comes time to fleece the flock for campaign $$$...then it's right back to shut up and hide?

If Conservatives are the base, why try to pretend that the Party is something it is not...or are you pretending that Conservatives ARE the base, when they are not?

[George W. Bush]

Aren't Conservatives on BOTH sides basically the "house-N's" of the Parties, as they are told to shut up and take it, and only are allowed any voice when it comes time to fleece the flock for campaign $$$...then it's right back to shut up and hide?

That's an outstanding point about how the Dims' conservatives like Miller or Bayh get treated.

At least conservatives get crapped on on a purely bipartisan basis. Sounds so collegial.