But I digress...
Well said!
In general, given it is now proven that a pro Life candidate can win the nomination and the presidency twice, there is probably little to gain by looking for a candidate for the nomination who is more moderate on abortion than GWB. We won't pick up votes by doing so, and we'll probably lose some.
That is the issue right there. Where you find net votes? Does moderating win anything? Yes. Certainly. A few. But only a few. Too much moderation loses our base.
I think the way to do this is how Bush did it. Have your principles and if you need to soften a stand, soften the words that describe it, not the stand itself. The phrase "compassionate conservative" doesn't change even one plank of the platform, but it sounds softer.
We have an advantage in this. We can soften our text and not change positions. The Democrats can't. DU is enraged at Hillary talking about staying in Iraq today. I strongly suspect they will bolt her. Also, we have the delightful prospect of the Dems running someone in 2008 who will have to embrace the party platform -- and it will be written by Dean.