"Any principled conservative would be run out of politics..." - Alberta's Child
Really? Like Reagan?
Go back and look at Reagan's record as governor of California, and Clinton's record as governor of Arkansas. You'd have a hard time convincing yourself that Reagan wasn't a Democrat and Clinton wasn't a Republican.
Reagan never got spending under control -- even with a Republican majority in the Senate.
Reagan appointed Sandra Dee O'Connor, an unconfirmable Robert Bork, and Anthony Kennedy.
Reagan gave back tax cuts one year after enactment (the infamous TEFRA bill, pride & joy of Bob Dole).
Reagan cut and ran in Lebanon.
Reagan gave amnesty to illegal immigrants.
Reagan named moderate George HW Bush his Veep and political heir.
Reagan never hit hard at terrorism other than one attack on Libya.
Don't get me wrong -- I LOVED RR and considered him a great conservative President, but he wasn't perfect by any means.
Why is it that whenever I see the phrase "principled politician" the laughter wells from deep inside?