It seems that since, oh, maybe the sixties, we all have our lists of positions, and we match them up to what a candidate says. Whoever gets the most matches wins our vote.
I have met so many non-conservatives who either respected or even LOVED Ronald Reagan. They didn't vote for him as much on the issues as they did on his passion, his ability to move the country in a direction he could explain.
If Reagan were running today, how many here would say "Look at his abortion record in California--never gettin MY vote!"
I'm starting to see McCain fade, Hillary stumble and Giuliani, Romney and Obama moving ahead. This can change at any time, but I am sensing many people want A LEADER, not just someone who spouts the "right" positions. After all, if we voted in 1984 or 2004 based on the deficit spending (NOT a conservative position), shrinking the size of government, or making abortion illegal, where might we be today?
WHoever gets the Republican nomination I wish well, and will vote for. I am dubious about the support that person will receive, given what I read here.