[DittoJed2]

Where was the obligatory "Barf" alert?

[ChadGore]

The only split in the GOP is those who think Bush will win in 2004, and those tho think he'll win by a *landslide* in 2004.

They're both right.

[FreeLibertarian]

This is the best analysis of the probable future trends that I have seen in a long long time. Excellent article!

[CyberCowboy777]

If you fear the one true God, define America as a “Christian Nation”, seek to make God’s Law the law of the land, think of homosexuals as freaks and sinners, and want to jail women who have abortions…you might be a Republican.

This is a joke. Anyone who views the Christian right this way is either brain dead or has an agenda.

[dark_lord]

Actually, a lot of people define themselves as Republicans simply because they are against the DemonRat "Party of Treason". If the DemonRats ever get safely trampled into the mud, where the US House is 2/3 Republican and the Senate is 60% Republican, and Republicans dominate in most state houses and governorships -- at that point those who have been hanging together to counter a common threat will have it out. What will happen then I don't know. I see 2 plausible scenarios.

1st, the DemonRats will become more and more marginalized and a successful 3rd party will arise. That's only happened twice, I think, and never in this century (emphasis on "successful" meaning they become stronger and stronger and overtake one of the primary parties). This can occur if the blue-collar (non-union) democrats, the fiscal conservatives, the "Goldwater" Republicans, and some others create a 3rd party that will absorb the non-leftists from the Democrat party as well as the fiscal conservative/Goldwater Republicans. I make no likelyhood guess as to how long this would take, but I would guess it would depend on how long it takes for a dominant Republican party to become corrupted.

Alternatively, I could see the Democrat party have a revolution and kick out the Leftist demon possessed gay/green/pediphile wing. If they did that successfully and became the party of fiscal conservatism, strong border control (anti-illegal immigration), and strong military defense they could then challenge a dominant Republican party. But the DemonRats would have to be absolutely trampled into the mud for many years before this could happen. Still -- 20 years -- maybe.

[You Dirty Rats]

A lot depends on what happens to the 'Rat Party. For example, if they nominate Dean and he loses 49 states, a net 10 Senators and 30 House seats, the 'Rats may alter their approach in some significant ways to pick up one or more of the groups above.

The Republican Party right now is a pretty big tent. Not for nothing does the term "RINO" exist.

[hobbes1]

There are lots of unhappy Republicans today, chafing at their party’s abandonment of fiscal restraint and occupation by anti-sodomists. There are some number of Democrats that have tired of the drug war, expanded police powers, and foreign adventurism. These people need to find each other, for they are the best Americans.

OK Mr. Browne put your hands in the Air, and step away from the Bong.....

[marron]

The Republican Party is historically a coalition between Christians, capitalists, true-believers (he calls them neo-conservatives, but they have always been with us) and pragmatic libertarians. That is the alliance that is the Republican Party. There is always tension between the various currents within the party, but the mixture is more complex than he admits or recognizes, as most people fall into more than one category, and embody more than one current of thought simultaneously.

This makes for a very active philosophical debate, that continues over the generations, as the various currents hammer out a rolling consensus.

[joesnuffy]

The theocratic Christian conservatives are a strong wing of the GOP

nice touch

[theDentist]

[the gillman@blacklagoon.com]

The basic divide of politics is between the leave me aloners and the do what I sayers.

However, the democrats have NO leave me aloners. The pubs are more evenly split.

For me, the first rule is leave me and mine alone.
Everything else is secondary.

Guess that's why I can't officially become a republican.

[Lael]

Where can I get "the Phoenix News"???

All I get to see on Newsstands are the RAg [sorry, Gazette flushed years ago] and the Tribune in its various regional flavours!

[ABG(anybody but Gore)]

The author misses the two main difference between RATS and the GOP. First, the GOP believes in capitalism and a free market society, while the RATS subscribe to Karl Marx and a redistribution of wealth. Socialism has already failed everywhere else it's been tried, but that won't stop liberals from trying again.

Secondly, I can't ever recall seeing a group of people who opposed, and actually attempted to undermine, their own country's security like the left has done for the last 50 years. Howard Dean follows a long shameful line of useful idiots that stretches from Mondale, to McGovern, to Alger Hiss.

[ChadGore]

Re: If you fear the one true God, define America as a “Christian Nation”, seek to make God’s Law the law of the land, think of homosexuals as freaks and sinners, and want to jail women who have abortions

Liberals have no tolerance for the morality that arises from religion having a positive influence on their society.

Note:

[snarkpup]

It seems to me that the 'Rat party is also a coalition of incompatible groups. E.g.: black supremicists vs. white liberals, homeless advocates who want free housing vs. enviros who want no housing built, apologists for radical Islam vs. radical feminists.

[Salgak]

Funny, I see a breakup of the Dems: the Liberals, the DNC-centrists, the Hard Left going over to the Greens, and at least two ethnic-spoils parties based on black and hispanic Jesse Jackson/Al Sharpton types. . .

[Xenalyte]

I read this far and decided this mental midget knows not of what he speaks:

"If you think it is the proper role of a Jeffersonian state to steal money from citizens to build civic plazas and university labs…you might be a Republican."

(Thomas Jefferson would gag if he read this.)

[Saundra Duffy]

Sometimes I'm ashamed to be a Republican.

[CWOJackson]

Wow, breaking up again. Man, how many times is it going to break up?

[Scott from the Left Coast]

the Religious Nut Party

There IS a Religious Nut Party, it's the DemocRATS.

Their religion has two main tenents: environmentalism and sexual adventurism.

Don't think they take those things religiously?

Just try speaking out in public against either.