Yup I googled the old FR posts in 1999/2000 - FR supported Keyes and a lot hated Bush.
Exactly! All the time they were supporting Keyes the Bush ping list kept growing -- kind of like Rudy's ping list that keeps growing daily! :)
I liked Keyes and W had to work to win me over. I was thrilled when W beat Ann Richards for the Governorship. I was annoyed that he was running for President so soon. I'd forgotten that he'd been his father's hatchet man-- terrible responsibillity. I'd also forgotten that he'd worked his father's national campaign, which was great training to be President.
But he worked hard and he won me over. I never believed the whispers about "secret conservative". But I knew this man was right on taxes. I was pleased when he talked about the soft bigotry of low expectations. I was pleased that he'd push for vouchers and accountability. But I rolled my eyes when he talked about compassionate conservatism. I held onto my wallet. But I knew that he said what he meant and he wasn't trying to wangle his way to deceive the voters into electing him. And his plain and direct speaking was refreshing after 8 years of Clinton thuggery.
There's a big list of things to want when we vote. As a conservative, I understand the need to be realistic. Pick a short list of what's most important - trust, taxes, vouchers. Before 9/11, these were priorities.
After 9/11, he changed as did we. He is now as he was, only more so.
No rose colored glasses, but I am glad that he was there for the country in 2001 and today. If I knew then what I know now but couldn't change anything, I'd vote for him again both times. In a heartbeat. I'd give again.
So while Rudy has a long way to go to win voters over, keep in mind that they all have a big challenge - to try to do at least as well as W. And I can't really see any of them up to it yet. But the time is there for someone to work to win us over.