I think that the base is confused about the lesson of the 2006 election. In the middle of an unpopular war, and with a president who is more and more a divisive figure, we are not going to win by going more conservative and banging the "Guns, God, and Gays" drum. Voters are going to be looking for high-profile, moderate, Washington outsiders who can bridge the partisan gap. So far the base has been shouting for more conservative (Hunter!), single-issue (Tancredo!), or just plain silly (Newt!) candidates who aren't going to be able to win given the current look of the political landscape.
Unless there's a dramatic turnaround in Iraq (which we all hope for) and Prez Bush is able to bring the greater portion of our troops home, I think we're going to get our skis waxed come '08.
I know what you mean, but I just don't see enough people going for him. No doubt you are in the middle of a flame war right now over this (I didn't check).
I am in the NY area, and Rudy definitely cleaned up the city. They said it couldn't be done! But again, I see problems ahead, too.
Please, no Hillary, whatever happens!!!