Meanwhile, we're bickering about why this or that candidate (or potential candidate) isn't conservative enough on social issues or doesn't have the name recognition or [insert your own rant here] to attract support or do well in the debates or win the nomination.
Democrats have complained for years about the big bad Republican Machine, but the cold hard truth is that there is no such thing. Even FReepers are pretty divided about whom to support. We're all waiting for the perfect candidate and the truth is that no candidate is going to please all of us.
I haven't been at FR long enough to experience a purge, but I've heard the stories. My fear is that discussion about the primary candidates will cause a lot of discord among us when we should be united in our effort to defeat Obama.
My philosophy going into the 2012 primaries is "anyone but Obama." A.N.Y.O.N.E.
I despise Romney. Don't care much for Gingrich. Like Cain thus far. Ditto for Daniels. Like Palin & Bachman. Don't know enough about Pawlenty, Huntsman or Santorum to have an opinion. And have issues with Perry. At the end of the day ... I'd pull the lever for any of them over Obama.
But that's me and my coupon for a free (R) vote is good only for this election cycle. I know many FReepers will not vote for someone who isn't a full-on social conservative and have said they'll stay home or vote third party even if it means Obama gets re-elected.
To me, that is truly depressing because we could have this election in the bag on the issues alone.