[GovernmentShrinker]

the GOP runs the risk of allowing a true third party threat to take shape in 2008. They won’t be able to win but it will ensure a Hillary presidency. She must be loving the idea of a Rudy nomination.

I agree that a substantial thid party draw would ensure a Hillary presidency. But I disagree that she must be loving the idea of a Rudy nomination -- Rudy couldn't win the FR vote, but he is capable of winning the national vote and defeating Hillary. Hillary is hating that idea. And it would be a very sad chapter in US political history if FR played into Hillary's hands, by drawing off Republican votes from Rudy to an unelectable third party candidate.

[rottndog]

If the party nominates a candidate that alienates and drives away a significant portion of the base, that’s the fault of the party and the candidate, not the people who choose to vote their conscience.

[Hawk1976]

If conservatives are so disaffected by the Republican party that they turn to a third party, whose fault is that?

We survived the Clintons once if it comes to that. If the Republicans don’t want to get hit in their right flank then they should not leave it open.

[Mr. Silverback]

But I disagree that she must be loving the idea of a Rudy nomination -- Rudy couldn't win the FR vote, but he is capable of winning the national vote and defeating Hillary.

A northeastern lib will beat a northeastern lib? How's that gonna work?