"what the hell is so bad about Duncan Hunter??"
Let me try to explain, it's a little difficult to follow:
Problem 1: Conservatism
1. Duncan hunter is too conservative so he can't win. You need someone who can appeal to the 'moderates'.
(By this they mean "more liberal", but they never admit it)
2. Rudy can appeal to moderates, but he's actually a conservative, despite his record.
So Duncan hunter can't win because he's a conservative, but rudy can. Because he's more moderate. But still a conservative.
Problem 2: Elected office
1. Duncan hunter can't win because his highest held office is a lowly congressman.
2. Even though rudy's highest held elected office was mayor, 5 years ago, he can win. Even though no one has ever gone from being mayor (or ex mayor) as highest office to the presidency.
You are correct. It was difficult to follow. It reminds me of an album cover for the band "Steeley Dan" that came out when I was kid. The title of the album?
"Pretzel Logic"
Being dead serious, my only beefs with Hunter are that he supported NCLB and the Medicare fiasco. But, I think I can chalk that up to loyalty to his President..