I see. I don't think that Arnold ever had a base :-)
And I also don't agree with you that if McClintock didn't exist, Arnold would still be in the same position. I think it is obvious that that is not true. That's why people want McClintock to either withdraw, or if he can't do that because he can't break his word, then let people know that he expects them to vote for Arnold.
I do agree with you that there is much to learn from President Bush. I am so grateful that he is President. And there have been a lot of times that I have admired his choices and his manner. But this election is in California :-)... land of fruits and nuts :-)
Politics is the art of the possible. And Arnold is "possible" in California. McClintock is not. At least not this year. The so-called "base" has a responsiblity too. They have a responsiblity, imo, to make their voting decisions based on reality, based on what is possible. They are responsible for their impact just like everyone else is. If the "base" of the republican party in California is so selfish that they really would punish the entire state and all the millions of people living there because they weren't offered exactly what they wanted -- then I wonder if they really are "the base"?
But that still doesn't answer the question -- what responsibility does McClintock have for his impact? McClintock is a player in this race and what he does and says matters. Where is his responsibility?