[Morgan in Denver]

I would still like to find a solid conservative who can bend to the middle occasionally when it's needed over a so-called moderate who claims he can bend to the right as the current crop of GOP candidates are all doing. Our moderate Republicans have a hard time defending conservative values because they really don't believe in them. As a result, they get tripped up when questioned.

[Mo1]

I would still like to find a solid conservative who can bend to the middle occasionally when it's needed over a so-called moderate who claims he can bend to the right as the current crop of GOP candidates are all doing

That's the problem .. if there is any kind of bend .. the far right goes nuts

Then the so-called moderates jump in thinking they can save the day and it freaks out the rest of the party

Just once I'd like to see some common sense .. but that is not so common these days

[Txsleuth]

Hey...we can use this post, to Mo1...(which is very good)...and use it as a WANT AD...

WANTED: A republican that is solid conserative, but can bend to the middle when needed....but, ....

What do you think??

[PerConPat]

I would still like to find a solid conservative who can bend to the middle occasionally...

There can not be great leaders in the absence of themes which run through the Left, Right, and Center of the American consciousness. When these themes are present, greatness is possible. When they are absent, it's all bickering and name calling; and the Rats have the advantage there. Even with the unprecedented threat we face today, a critical mass of the country has still not been lead to the recognition that Islamo-terrorism and leaking borders are the threads that must be woven into the great theme of this era.

Since World War II, Ronald Reagan has demonstrated the best ability to identify and weave meaningful threads into political gold. President Bush, no matter how much we respect him for seeing the raw materials, has yet to show the ability to fashion themes into consensus. I'm backing Hunter because I believe that he recognizes the areas needing priority; however, I seriously doubt that he would fare any better in the business of building a broad enough base.

A facilitator of Reagan's accomplishment is not easy to find. If Giuliani will stop stepping all over the political map and make some serious commitments regarding guns, judges, and states' rights- he might be our best bet. I hope that Hunter can put as much heat on Rudy as possible in these matters; I intend to assist Duncan in this approach in any way that I can.

Go Bears! Have a great Superbowl Sunday, everyone.