It has also been said that politics is the art of persuasion. And that is the "art" in which conservatives should excel. We must continue to persuade our fellow Americans that our ideas are better and more in line with constitutional principles of freedom and liberty, than the democrats' ideas (sorry for the oxymoron).
You will not be able to persuade a Congress dominated by Democrats. That should have been evident to all Republicans and for the 50 years prior to 1994.
The Republican running in the Connecticut senate race is so far behind that no amount of effort (realistically speaking) can propel him into office.
This refrain implies the only reason a person should vote for a candidate who the voter perceives as the winner and completely disregards the candidates positions on all other issues. That is as dangerous as it is ludicrous.
And, as a matter of national security (my family's security), we need help in the war on terror in congress. If we can't get that help, all of the other important domestic economic, social, fiscal, environmental issues will mean nothing if America begins a slow descent into oblivion.
That won't happen with Lieberman given is inconsistent stance against the war on terror and a Democrat controlled Congress. Schlesinger, who has a consistently strong position on national security, will receive strong support against the war on terror in a Republican dominated Congress. That can only happen if people do not vote for Democrats. Your assumption Schlesinger will have a weaker position on national security escapes me.
So, I repeat; if a democrat offers sincere help in fighting this ruthless and dangerous enemy - I'll take that help; but continue to fight him on the other issues.
Lieberman is not offering sincere help. He would have voted for The Secure Fence Act and be against Amnesty for illegal aliens, some of which could be terrorists, if he were truly sincere. The only difference between Lieberman and Lamont is that Lieberman presents in a much slicker package, enough to fool many Republicans. The only thing Lieberman offers is the same Democrat controlled Congress we had from 1944-1994.
You make many good and thoughtful points.
I hope to get back to you with what I hope are equally good points. (at work now)