Well, let me conclude by making the point that we have lost too many elections where we’ve run not as Republicans espousing conservatism, but rather me-tooism Republicans running as “caring” RINOs. Exceptions often prove the rule, and I’m not saying there aren’t any (Santorum in Pennsylvania comes to mind), but by and large we need to consider just what we ideologically believe and promote THAT. I’m convinced that that would win us more elections. And that was Limbaugh’s point.
RINO is not a term I’m even comfortable using. Still, what do we call those Republicans who think conservatism is a losing “ism”? It certainly is losing to the media. But that’s another fight entirely. We need to close ranks, not bust them up.
I want us to be big tent as long as conservatism, not even religiously based, rather fiscal conservatism and strong America conservatism, and yes, promoting so-called family values conservatism (without having to promote, say, one religious view), is the main focus.
Either:
A. Use “moderates” to regain an electoral majority, then move them to the back of the tent...
B. Purge the RINOs and sweep to victory behind pure conservative candidates...
C. Become the “motivated minority” which has often steered the course of history.