It is always a worthwhile goal to be idealistic. But, come election time in '08 and it is Hillary vs. Rudy, idealism falls by the wayside and realism will come out to the front.
If the GOP is to maintain even a semblance of conservatism, Rudy must NOT be given the top spot in 08. The moderate and RINOs of the party know that Rudy would only get a vote from conservatives if Shrillerly is the Rat nominee. They expect her to be so they're getting Guliani into position now.