"You, and everyone else who unequivocally support everything GWB does, really do understand that conservative principles win politically."
I never said I support everything that Bush has done, but I do support a great deal of what he has done.
"You also understand that the present crop of republicans have thin conserative credentials."
Yes I do, and I am a Conservative. No sense in arguing that point as I damn well know who I am. I can proudly say that I was raised Conservative in the South. We are born with it in out genes!
"Conservatives are conservative."
There does exist a margin for disagreements on certain issues. Some Conservatives are so far right, they meet up with the left.
"Don't bash us for that - give us something to vote for and we'll vote for it."
If you see no difference between dims and pubs, I can't help you. Also, don't be so damned quick to remove me from that "us".
"But if you don't and big-spending republicanism loses in November, don't blame conservatives, blame yourselves for compromising away from what you KNEW would win - conservatism."
No, there will be plenty of guilt to spread around, and it will "come back around" to be sure.
BTW, RF is my hobby. I have been a "ham" for 40 years. I love the smell of RF in the morning!
LLS
I use the term "you" loosely not meant to disparage, merely to underscore that there is a dichotomy - big-spending republicans, and conservative republicans.
from a pragmatic standpoint, Republicans need to be only as conservative as is necessary to win politically. They aren't there at this moment.
The point is that I think most republicans, whether big-spenders or conservatives, know that conservatism wins. Why not try it? Don't blame conservatives for having core beliefs that they are loathe to compromise. We think gov't is too big and spends too much. Those are political winners.
I'm a 30 year ham, myself!
If you do see an appreciable difference in the result of electing either, perhaps it is you who requires some personal introspection. Just a suggestion.