He signed the bill that included border security because it contained other things that he wanted, but didn't want the border security provisions included. He lost that fight (no big surprise, given that he was going so diametrically against public opinion), and then proceeded to do everything he could to undermine those provisions. He has absolutely zero credibility on border security.
My point is you have never been one of those conservatives who you claim are now starting to "see things your way."
Doesn't change the fact that they do exist, in increasing numbers. Close your eyes to it if you want, but it's obvious from reading border threads especially.
If you had read the posts on FR prior to the 2000 elections you would have been certain Buchanan was going to win. You should expand your horizons beyond the immigration threads.
A cursory perusal of immigration threads reveal the same malcontents who misjudged voter interest concerning immigration in 1998, and 2000, just as you did in in 2002, and 2004. 95% of Freepers avoid these threads because of the insipid sloganeering, circular logic, and personal slander used by the isolationist who live on those threads. There is no substance to be found.
Have you ever thought to ask yourself why the leaders of the anti-immigration movement can't get elected to statewide office much less be thought of as a national leader?
I would really love to read your explaination of this contradiction between your certainty that immigration is a make/break issue, and the last 50 years of elections.
While I have not agreed with you inquest, I do have to say you have done a remarkable job making the best arguement with the facts available for your opinion. Your persistence is admirable and your arguments are clearly understandable even if I remain unconvinced. You have also made your case without resorting to insulting personal remarks, something I am not always able to say about my posts.
The "close your eyes" comment is a little bit a chuckler for me because in 1992 I thought George HW Bush's defeat would usher in a re-awakened GOP. I idolized Bob Dornan and Alan Keyes, both of whom I met at the 94 Republican state convention. I was certain Clinton would be defeated in the next election. Even when Dole was defeated I assured myself that Dole was a bad candidate and massive voter fraud overcame the 200+ Clinton body count. The 98 GOP loses were a personal wake up call that ideology does not trump reality. Some day you will hear that call.