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I am firmly convinced that there is a segment of the population on FR that WANTS us to lose because it is a lot easier to sit back and gripe about the other side messing things up than supporting your own side trying to govern.

The first-tier candidates on the Republican side are far from perfect from almost any perspective - McCain stabbed conservatives in the back repeatedly, Romney flip-flopped on many important issues, and Guiliani has some liberal positions on social issues. They are front-runners because they do have strengths - McCain has a very large base of support in the RNC, Romney is a telegenic former Governor and Guiliani has his image as "America's Mayor" from September 11th.

Unfortunately, conservatives have failed miserably at grooming anyone in the Party who has a snowball's chance in Hades of being elected President in '08. Hunter, Brownback, Tancredo, Thompson and the rest of the second tier simply do not have the credentials to be serious candidates from the Republican Party. Gingrich has negatives that would prevent him from being elected dogcatcher. Democrats can get away with nominating empty suits, lightweights and such because they control the media who will happily cover up the gross inadequacies of the flavor of the week. Pubbies do not have that luxury.

OK, rant off ;-)

I hope a great conservative candidate emerges who can win the nomination and then sweep the nation the way Reagan did, but I just can not see anyone in the wings. That being said, I am pushing Michael Steele as a VP candidate for whoever gets the GOP nod for President. I believe he could be great if he gets some more depth on his resume!