[NavVet]

“Unfortunately, Dr. James Dobson and a few evangelical leaders decided to cut off their nose to spite their face (Mistake #35). You see, Fred’s not a Bible thumper. Neither was Ronald Reagan. And like Reagan, Fred is a bona fide, all-around, federalist conservative. That wasn’t good enough for Dobson. And when Fred refused to kiss Dobson’s ring of evangelical purity, Dobson went shopping for a candidate he thought he could control.”

I think Dobson’s ill conceived attack on Thompson played a major part in ensuring that no conservative will occupy the White House in 09.

[BoBToMatoE]

I think Dobson’s ill conceived attack on Thompson played a major part in ensuring that no conservative will occupy the White House in 09.

It had a part in it, that is for certain, but so did many "establishment" Republicans who didnt like the fact that Fred wouldnt kiss their fat rear. At that point, they decided to fold behind someone who would - Romney.

[DannyTN]

You blame Dobson for Fred’s loss, but the fact is, Fred ran a lousy campaign and thumbed his nose at the evangelicals.

The Republican establishment loaded the candidate field with too many social liberals for any of the true social conservatives to get traction early in the primaries.

And now we have but one social conservative left.

As for me, I prefer Huckabee, but will take anybody over Romney. And that’s includes ‘rats if need be.

[Bryan24]

I agreee with you. Dobson’s attack on Thompson was disasterous.

[fatez]

Hey I am one of those social conservatives (been a big focus supporter for years). I think Dobson's reasoning was essentially "do not take us for granted", kinda of the way the Democrats take Jewish and Black votes for granted. I personally cannot stand Huckabee as a candidate. My first choice was Hunter, than Fred, now Romney. I will vote for McCain if he gets the nomination (holding my nose). The single biggest issue for me is the upholding of the constitution (i.e. supreme court justices). McCain Feingold is a travesty that Fred also supported. He was not the golden boy a lot of conservatives made him out to be.

Sideshow, I understand your sentiments, but understand, if the republicans expect the evangelicals to show up and vote and shut up (which I do not think you are saying), then it will be disaster for all conservatives (a lot of social conservatives will stay home). Dobson in my open went to far, (basically saying, if not my way, I with hold my endorsement (the same thing Rush is threatening)); but none of these candidates except Hunter are totally conservative. I will vote for any pubbie at this point because I do not want one more liberal justice. We can survive a McCain or Huckabee presidency, but our republic needs conservative justices to turn the tide. Sorry about the length.

[the808bass]

I think Dobson’s ill conceived attack on Thompson played a major part in ensuring that no conservative will occupy the White House in 09.

Dobson lost all of my considerable respect for him at that point. Got a little whiff of power with Robertson going off the reservation and Falwell departed. And he thought he was going to be the show. Just powerful enough to be deadly.

[lolhelp]

i think you are right and isn’t it sad that we have enough STUPID people in the Republican party for it to happen.