I think too big a deal is being made over the fact that Keyes--who is known for his passion--said some things that may have been over the top. He's even made some stupid comments, I'm sure. But who hasn't?
His occasional failings need to be weighed against his great strenghs. Again, to put this into perspective, Keyes is known for his passion and for holding the party accountable when it veers left.
This is hardly a criminal offense. A lot of Republicans say things about other Republicans (including many freepers speaking against Keyes) that are over the top and unflattering.
The Keyes supporters are not challenging the conservtism of Keyes-haters because they don't blindly follow Keyes (this is a straw man). Rather the Keyes supporters challenge the conservatism of Keyes-haters because they always seem to tack to the left (this Keyes candidacy only being one of many symptoms).
I don't think you can legitimately compare things Freepers say to the things people on the national stage say.
But I have a question for you, tame: Have you ever heard of George W. Bush publicly saying anything remotely negative about Alan Keyes? I haven't. As far as I know, he has been completely gracious.
In fact, I can't recall another mid-to-high-profile Republican saying anything about Keyes that could begin to compare to the things he has said about others. (If you know of something, I am certainly open to hearing about it.) This thing about California Republicans being like the AIDS virus is yet another example.
I'm just explaining that this is why so many people dislike him. If he could use his rhetorical skills to get his point across without alienating so many people who would otherwise appreciate his message, he would be better off - and so would the party.