Posted on 12/30/2007 5:50:44 PM PST by County Agent Hank Kimball
I have a very simple question, and I'd really like your take on it. I don't mean this as antagonistic, but I'd really like to hear your answer.
Somewhere between 70 and 80 percent of the people here on Free Republic consistently express their clear preference in poll after poll for Fred Thompson or Duncan Hunter over Huckabee or Romney.
My question is: Why?
Why do you think, despite Romneys many millions spent and the claims of both Romney and Huckabee to be genuine conservatives, that Freepers haven't bought it? It is quite clear that most here are firm in their belief that neither Romney or Huckabee is an acceptable conservative. At least at this point of the game.
Why do we think this - in your opinion?
And then, why are we wrong?
Hank
I don't know that you will be shown to be wrong about Thompson, but I believe the following traits are significantly questionable, when it comes to him:
1. Thompson is opposed to the Human Life Amendment
http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/263508.aspx
2. He is opposed to the Marriage Amendment
http://www.latestpolitics.com/blog/2007/09/fred-thompson-proposes-marriage.html
3. He hasn't shown himself to appeal very strongly at all -- not even to Republicans, to say nothing of moderates, etc. in order to be a force for building up the ranks of those who understand what is important for America.
There seems to be a lack of conviction, perhaps conflicts, that could account for all three.
We say, "America isn't there yet," when it comes to the most critical matters. Then, we need a president who will be a leader, to will bring more of America "there."
As for Hunter, number 3, above.
Well said.
Romney and Rooooody fail on civil rights, mainly guns.
Romney and Huckabeee are both apparently nanny-statists to some degree and both have a penchant for foot-in-mouth disease to a greater degree than I’m comfortable with.
Sure they have the executive cred.
Who here trusts either of them to not gun-grab or to put strict constructionists on the bench?
Fred is about a 90% conservative although he may break the rule about “the guy that wants the office most is the one you least want in it”.
The McCainiac is self-explanitory at this point.
I question Huckabee’s 2A cred given the populist tendencies he’s shown. Gun-grabbing is always a press-freindly “politician doing something” move and I don’t trust him to not stoop to that.
This is truly remarkable.
I asked Romney/Huckabee supporters a very very simple question:
“Why do you think 70 to 80 percent of FR supports Fred Thompson or Duncan Hunter?”
Through about 80 responses, not ONE has has been thoughtful enough to even ponder the question.
Comments about Fred not wanting it. Comments about why you like your guy. Everything but addressing my question.
If I was a poster on this conservative site, and I found that there was one candidate supported by half the members and another supported by about a quarter, I like to think I’d be intellectually curious enough to at least ask: “why?”
But none of you people seem to have even bothered. I’m not saying that the fact that 3/4th of us support someone else makes us right. But I would think you would have least been introspective enough to wonder why you were so out of synch with what other conservatives here think.
Those of us supporting Fred (and CERTAINLY those supporting Hunter) have had to do this. We’ve had to say: “Gee, half the GOP voters seem to be supporting Romney or Huckabee....I wonder why?” I know I have.
But not one of you has bothered to ask yourself why the OVERWHELMING majority of conservatives on this site find two candidates the clearly preferable choice.
That says a lot to me.
Hank
I’m not a supporter of either one (yet), but I believe the answer is simple.
Free Republic is more conservative than Republican - Duncan Hunter’s support is based primarily on his immigration and trade stances - Thompson appears to be the only electable one that comes close to FR standards.
Romney and Huckabee appeal to more moderate voters than generally found here.
As to why you are wrong....I don’t know that you are wrong.
Freepers are more or less addicted to politics, therefore they’ve taken the time to really find out the details on these candidates. Most Iowa Republicans are undecided, and those who are not undecided are more knee-jerk by definition. So they think they prefer Huckabee for his religious claims, or Romney for his hairstyle and the Olympics.
The point at which Iowa Republicans discover what we on FreeRepublic already know is the point at which they go 70% Thompson.
I think you mean they have 70 to 80% of the Freepers preferring someone else. Not the same thing (for better or worse).
Romney is a liberal in disguise and Huckabee has a TERRIBLE tax and illegal alien record.
I’m not sure about Thompson but Duncan Hunter is JUST what this country needs.
FR is a far right site, and most conservatives are happy with center right.
How about “Hunter is a conservative and Fred plays one on TV”?
And Thompson and Hunter will not win the nomination.
You are out of your tree, go ahead and tell blue collar America that you don't want there votes. See how many rinos you elect.
“PS - After watching the campaigh Romney has run, it would be hard for me to pull the lever for him.”
Even if it was the lever for the trap door on the gallows?
:-)
I like Duncan and even Fred. If I thought they had a real chance against Hillary I would reconsider my vote for Rudy. The women thing is going to really make it hard for “old white males”. I think Rudy is the only one who can siphon off some moderate dem votes. He’s tough and driven. This isn’t the time for “Bob Dole” candidates. Maybe the last election but not this one.
I am very concerned at the way Huckabee has flip-flopped on the immigration/border issue. It is not consistent with honesty.
Honesty is a core value of Christian conservatives.
You sound like you’re pulling your opus out of your middle desk drawer Hank, take a deep breath. LOL
Just stating the obvious friend, no one had heard of Duncan before this election. I like him but he is only a congressman from California and that’s why he is still at the bottom. He’s not the only congressman who supports the military. I know you don’t like to hear it but he’s not catching on. I wish he was but he’s not. Fred is still in it but just barely. I don’t like the truth anymore than you do but it’s pretty obvious. SORRY!!
Because they both say they are pro life.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.