I hope that the dissension on these threads will be an indicator or reality.
There are really three outcomes:
1) Be more conservative. (We hope)
2) Run more liberal. (I'm afraid)
3) Chaos and disagreement on the right. (I expect)
I think, so far, #3 is proven day after day on FR in the internecine Rudy-vs-Hunter flamewars.
#2 -or- #3, IMO, are good for the leftists.
#2 and #3 are the predictable, likely outcomes.
I think that it is possible to disagree without descending into chaos as long as we keep our disagreements respectful.
As for the current crop candidates, none really excite me. I am hoping that someone like Fred Thompson will enter the race. After eight years of Bush, I long to support a solid limited government conservative.