WHY is this acceptable to people, so-called "Republicans", living in the Northeast?
These polls are about leadership qualities right now. Not niche positions on specific topics. Views governing NYC vs the USA will be altered.
Reagan was an FDR Democrat, Union boss and divorced father. GHW Bush altered several strategic positions from 1980 to 1988.
GW Bush has changed his position on spending, size of government, interests in other country's national affairs.
I voted for all three and so did a majority of Americans knowing these changes.
No. These polls are about the left-wing media, who has a love affair with weak-minded, opportunistic, Narcissistic RINO's (those they think Hillary can beat) like McCain and Rudy. They are PUSH-polling to generate a certain power-of-suggestion that these goofballs are the ones Republicans should vote for.
As far a "leadership" goes, from a conservative Republican perspective, it means sticking to conservative core beliefs, no matter what. These core beliefs should never be diluted or negotiated away.
RINO's and democrats are all too happy to do or say whatever they think will get them ahead, even if it is bad for America, and infringes on our rights, traditions, history, whatever. They can't be trusted in the highest office in the land.
An American figure vying for leadership of the Republican party is welcome to change their stance on many issues, but NOT, it is my belief (and the belief of MANY Red State Conservatives), on Constitutional or life and death issues (i.e., 2nd Amendment, abortion, etc.).