Replies

Ever consider the reason Bush barely won, and Dore lost, and Bush1 lost was because they ran as centerists?

I have said as much myself on other occasions, and I surely want you to be right.

Sadly, though, most of our criticisms of Bush would apply even more to the crowd of pols now positioning themselves for a run. I am so tired of Repubs who either have no principles, or think that the way to reach out to Democrats is to compromise on those principles.

I like Bush as a man, primarily because he does have principles, at least on a personal level. When he speaks and acts from principle, the man shines. Unfortunately, on too many occasions, he tries to split the difference with his enemies, and in some cases his core principles are to the left of mine.

His clumsiness over immigration is an example. His multiple attempts to reach out to Kennedy and company are others.

Still, I know what his core values are, even when I don't like them. Too many of the Repubs running to replace him are to his left, or seem very flexible in their beliefs. Bush uses Rove to tell him how to outfox his enemies. Most of the guys running against him would use their "Rove" to tell them what their principles ought to be.

So, while I've been proud of Bush on some levels, and disappointed on others, I am really worried when I look at the crop of hopefuls out there. They seem more centrist and less principled than he. If you're right, such a stance is probably not electable, and if they are elected, all we've done is elect a Democrat in Repub's clothing.

Some would say thats what we already have, and in some ways they are right. Still, I would take Bush a thousand times if the choice is insane, as in Gore (or maybe McCain) or treasonous (as in, well, you know who). I am so thankful neither of those men will ever get any more power than they have already had. It shocks me still that an insane man would very nearly beat someone who isn't insane, and a man who committed treason would very nearly beat someone who never committed treason and never would. Thats disturbing, you have to admit.

I want a president who believes in the Constitution, and who will defend the country, and I want a man with enough moral fortitude to stand up to the pounding he is sure to take. And I want "bold".