The saddest part of this is, it didn’t have to be. 6 months ago I didn’t think any Republican had much chance to win in 08. Now a golden opportunity is handed to them and we have—him as our nominee. What a tragedy for the country.
Just what I have been thinking ever since the GOP primary ended for all practical purposes when Fred, the last reasonably conservative candidate in the race, was forced out by failing finances and his own lack of energy and enthusiasm for the race. Fred may not have won over Obama or Hillary if he had been nominated but at least he would have given the general voters a clear choice, which is something that won't be nearly that clear with McCain as the nominee.
Somehow the conservative majority of the GOP has to find and back several truly conservative candidates for the 2012 primaries who can attract both GOP primary voters and general election voters in November, including a large segment of the middle ground independents. If we don't, as a close observer of national politics for the past 50-plus years I predict that the GOP will become stuck in the position of being the perpetual minority party within the next two election cycles.