I believe that as long as people generally respect the rules and mission of the forum, and do not lie, there is no problem. This whole thing with Rudy reminds me of the Schwarzenegger/McClintock wars from a few years back. Shwarzenegger was known even then to be at least as liberal as Rudy is viewed now. Probably more so.
If I recall correctly, Jim supported Schwarzenegger in that one and I believe it was out of sheer pragmatism (ie., Arnold could WIN against whatever Democrat he would ultimately face). Ironically, many Rudy supporters (and I am now OFF that bandwagon) support Rudy for the same reason.
Meanwhile.... Run, Fred, RUN! I beg of you....
So far, we have Giuliani, Romney, Thompson, and McCain leading. Who and where is the conservative in that batting order? On the key issue: Abortion; G, R, and T have all been outspokenly pro-choice in previous campaigns. Rudy and Romney did everything but hold the flashlight for abortions in their districts. McC hasn't spoken up against abortion on the floor of the Senate. Now, of course they are all tripping overthemselves to establish right-to-life positions, which I happen to believe they'll deliver, if selected, and then elected.
Rudy has been a gun grabber, and I don't see a concealed carry law in Massachusetts, where I understand Romney to have been the Governor. The other two guys? Who knows? They occasionally make the right noises. But, not a one of them is clean on immigration. Taxes? OK, they're OK on taxes, sort of. People were taxed to death before Romney was Governor of MA, and they still are afterwards. The WOT, Iraq? McCain owns Iraq. Rudy owns the WOT. The other two ... no firm commitment yet.
So what the heck are we talking about? If any of the following: either Rudy Giuliani, Mitt Romney, Fred Thompson, or bless'im, John McCain, puts together the campaign, the money, and the organization to win substantial victories in primary battles, and carries the convention, what are we supposed to do? Fight for your man now, with everything you've got. But after the convention, STFU, back the winner, and turn out the Republicans, that's what. Trade your support for the positions and people you want. It's the American way.
My hat's in the ring for Hunter ... but guess what ... no money ... no organization ... no media presence ... no nuthin' ... but he's one hell of a lot more demonstrably conservative (with the exception of being able to sniff out pork for the folks at home and logrolling with Democrats) than any of the chaps mentioned above.
Our two-party system is a thing painful to behold. But if somebody wants to go the "Pox on both your houses," The Peronista, or the Bull Moose route, disaster lies ahead. This ain't France, with a run-off system. BJC took the presidency with 42% of the vote. His wife, or other equally reprehensible party, is uniquely poised to do the same.
A putative Third Party? Forget it.
We might as well hand the Gore/Obama/Sharpton team (or equivalent) the keys to the White House now and save the trouble and expense of an election.
Here's what I am planning to do: Fight for my man now, with everything I've got. But after the Republican Convention, I am going to STFU, back whoever is the winner, and turn out the Republicans, that's what. Trade my support for the positions and people I want. It's the American way.
You recall correctly. Mr. Robinson endorsed Arnold over McClintock.