Gotcha!
From a conservative perspective, Mitt is not a conservative. Period. His support around FR is weak. Against two staunch conservatives, roughly 86% of FReepers do not support him. That matters to me. I don't want someone running for POTUS who will not promote my conservative values, beliefs, convictions and principles.
>>>>>I was very ideological in college. I guess I outgrew all that.
One man made a difference for America and for conservatism. You need a good dose of Ronald Reagan:
We will have no more of those candidates who are pledged to the same goals as our opposition and who seek our support. Turning the Party over to the so-called moderates wouldnt make any sense at all.
~~~ Ronald Reagan, 1965
Join me in a dream of a California whose government isn't characterized by political hacks and cronies and relatives--an administration that doesn't make its decisions based on political expediency but on moral truth. Together, let us find men to match our mountains.
~~~ Ronald Reagan, 1966
A political party cannot be all things to all people. It must represent certain fundamental beliefs which must not be compromised to political expediency, or simply to swell its numbers.
I do not believe I have proposed anything that is contrary to what has been considered Republican principle. It is at the same time the very basis of conservatism. It is time to reassert that principle and raise it to full view. And if there are those who cannot subscribe to these principles, then let them go their way.
~~~ Ronald Reagan, March 1, 1975
Bingo. As I said earlier in the thread to the guy that criticized me for not wanting an "inclusive" party, that if you want a big tent, go to the circus. The parties are ideologically based now, and it took a long time to get there. I could never understand how you could function as a viable party with a substantial percent that essentially stood against everything you believe in. If the Democrats want their pure leftist party, let them have it, and we'll take their Conservative members. Conversely, for the liberal RINOs who want to pursue the agenda of abortion, militant gay rights, anti-WOT, high taxes, nanny state, pro-illegals, go join the Democrats. We don't want you.