Replies

There is something I don't understand: Why on earth would quitting the GOP advance the conservative cause? The results show that there are only 10-15% willing to lose to 'send a message'. So while plenty of 'messages' can be sent, how will these 'message senders' ever get the power to win and implement their goals?

Why would the GOP or Rove want to risk aligning with this 'message sending' element, when if there is disagreement on any issue, they threaten to, and often do, bolt? I can certainly understand party leaders assessing and deciding that they have no choice but to move further to the center, especially on social issues. Hate to say it, but doing so will at least bring in a more reliable block of votes.

What a shame, because I am conservative and want to see the conservative message dominate. But all the constant threatening to sit out or bolt, and the too many instances of doing just that, really threaten the ability of social conservatism to have influence. In a way, these 'message senders' are like a Ken Griffey Jr, Terrell Owens,or Jeff George, extremely talented and unbeatable when focused on their game. But if they cannot be relied upon, and continually go AWOL, sooner or later the coach and front office will decide that the undependability is just too risky, and change the game plan to use what they can rely on to win.

How many times have we seen a team with superior talent lose because they were inconsistent and didn't play as a team? How many times have we seen a talent-loaded get rid of some of their tempermental stars, bring in unknown but hungry talent, and then finally win? Attitude and teamwork matter, synergy is better than divisiveness.

Again, from what I've seen in the last few weeks, I wouldn't blame Rove one bit if he wrote off the social conservatives for 2004 as too likely to quit/sulk/hold the party hostage, and instead moved towards the moderate center. WHICH IS THE LAST THING I WANT TO HAPPEN, but what choice does he have? It all goes to hell if Bush loses in '04. Better to go after more reliable support, than coddle those with a chip on their shoulder, that no matter what, are almost guaranteed to find something wrong and then, once again, try and scuttle an election.

Since this election just showed that the GOP can win without purist conservatives, how do you plan on increasing their influence in the GOP? Threats didn't work, so why continue to turn to that strategy? The bluff was called, so now that option is gone.

No, the only way to increase conservative influence is to now coalition and work within, supporting the GOP team.

When a party doesn't uphold it's platform - which the majority voted for - it has management and mission issues.

My party alliance has value on the open market.

I am now a free agent.

If the CA G.O.P. gets it together - I will be back. Right now I have a 25 year history with them in California and it hasn't been a good one.

No, the only way to increase conservative influence is to now coalition and work within, supporting the GOP team.

I agree. FReepers should seriously consider supporting the Republican Liberty Caucus.