[Poohbah]

We should address our letters to the White House to President G.W. Gore.

I'm sure the White House would pay rapt attention to those who engage in such mature and artful dialogue.

Let's get something straight, sport: four MILLION conservatives sat out Election 2000, or voted third party, or even voted for Al Gore!

The non-presence of the base in 2000 ultimately cost us the Senate. The now-mythical "base" hasn't bothered to show up since 1988, and the GOP was dumb enough to do fall-on-their-sword maneuvers not once, but TWICE, in vain efforts to appease them.

The GOP found a way to win without the mythical "conservative base" votes because they HAD to. Why should Bush do them any favors?

[Lazamataz]

The non-presence of the base in 2000 ultimately cost us the Senate. The now-mythical "base" hasn't bothered to show up since 1988, and the GOP was dumb enough to do fall-on-their-sword maneuvers not once, but TWICE, in vain efforts to appease them.

So you're thinking that alienating the conservative base is a winning maneuver.

Well, I guess we shall see, since that is what he has done.

I know this: My only vote in 2002 will be for the Governor of Illinois. I will not be voting in any Federal-level Congressional or Senatorial races. I will not be contributing or volunteering for Bush in 2004, and unless he repeals the reauthorization for the Assault Weapons ban, will not be voting for him. If Bush's behavior is your definition of successful constituent loyalty-building, I beg to differ.

[old school]

Needless to say, the word "democrat" is synonymous with the word liberal; but the word republican is not neccessarily synonymous with the word conservative. GW was elected by conservatives and not to acknowledge that fact is quite foolish! "Let's get something straight, sport: four MILLION conservatives sat out Election 1992, or voted third party, or even voted for Ross Perot!"

[Corin Stormhands]

The non-presence of the base in 2000 ultimately cost us the Senate.

And Trent Lott's "Henry don't bring your trash over here," remark is what kept a lot of that base at home.

I was one of the loudest screaming at the third party conservatives in 2000. I'll still vote for Bush, but I won't be screaming in 2004.

[MissAmericanPie]

4 million conservatives sat it out because they refused to vote for the Republican Parties new/old trick rino poney. Now even the most die hard are going to sit it out, or vote demoncrat. At least with a demoncrat in office, the Bush fans will get back on the job instead of being asleep at the wheel.

[jeremiah]

Bush squeaked by, with memories of a corrupt administration plagued opponent, vast amounts of money, and the backing of even some Democrats. He is playing to the Democrats base now, and the differences between the two parties, is completely indistinguishable now. There is of course a diff between candidates and platforms, but little to choose between the governance.

[Barnacle]

Did you log on to the wrong site? This is Free Republic. What were you trying to reach?

[Don Myers]

"The GOP found a way to win without the mythical "conservative base" votes because they HAD to. Why should Bush do them any favors?"

I suspect this is largely wishful thinking. I can tell you that my wife and I voted for Bush. And, I can also tell you that I am not a leftist or a moderate.

[Barnacle]

The GOP found a way to win without the mythical "conservative base" votes because they HAD to. Why should Bush do them any favors?

It's interesting how you refer to Conservatives as "them".

Freepers refer to Conservatives as "us".