“No.6, do a search for threads using keyword “Duncan Hunter”. You will find many articles extolling this great candidate. Unfortunately, the media gives him scant coverage at this point, so not 1000s of articles to choose from.”
The media is only going to cover the top 3 or 4 names on the list; and at the same time we know that it’s hard to get in the top 3 without coverage.
Everyone here already knows who Hunter is! Nor do I think there’s anyone here doesn’t know Rudy’s tendencies.
I submit that time is better spent spreading good news among people that don’t know it already. The drop in Rudy’s numbers as Thompson’s name has entered the chase tells me that as people find out there’s something to vote *for* they get enthusiastic.
In addition, I’ve noticed that every zing directed at the Rudy supporters just makes them entrench; it doesn’t change minds. Let’s say that Hunter actually wins the nomination. Now there’s this big group of people here who were Rudy supporters, but they’ve just spent the last year being insulted by Hunter supporters. Do you think they’ll turn around and start organizing for Hunter? It’ll take all of us to win in November ‘08.
If, on the other hand, the mode of approach is “OK, Rudy cut taxes, but wouldn’t you rather have fiscal responsibility AND solid conservative values too?” then there is no rift to mend.
Lastly, if your opinion is that if Rudy is the nominee then there’s no difference between him and a Democrat, then I can only point at the Supreme Court, at your recent 1040 form, at the fact that there is no ugly-gun ban in place, and say, hey, for all the flaws, look at what a less-than-perfect Republican has done. Think about partial-birth abortion, guns, and taxes in the hands of a Clinton or Obama and if that doesn’t make your skin crawl, well hey.
I really think it’s worth it to spend our primary season pumping up our candidate of choice, not throwing mud. Do what ya want, your electrons are just as valuable as mine; but that’s my opinion.
The problem with that thinking is that Rudy is not fit for the GOP nomination. McCain has problems, but there is no question he is generally conservative. Romney may be a milquetoast flip flopper, but he’s flipped definitively in the conservative direction and is emphatic about his renassaince. Hunter, Tancredo, Huckabee, etc are all known conservatives.
Having a liberal like Rudy at the top of the ticket is a recipe for the demise of the GOP as a conservative party.
This is the primary.
I agree with you generally. However, the facts should be made known on all candidates in order that voters are informed enough to make a wise decision. No visciousness is acceptable.