Posted on 01/20/2007 11:06:08 AM PST by Clintonfatigued
For decades, the conservative movement has been the animating force of the Republican Party, providing the ideas and energy that catapulted candidates to the GOP presidential nomination and, often, the White House.
But as conservatives survey the 2008 field — and, particularly, the early Republican front-runners — many are despairing. Sen. John McCain of Arizona, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former New York City Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani have all broken with conservative orthodoxy at one time or another. Many activists have neither forgiven nor forgotten.
"There's absolutely no contender that is a bona fide conservative," said K.B. Forbes, who has worked for a number of conservative candidates and causes since the 1990s. "We have insiders, squishes and moderates running for president."
The candidate closest to the heart of social conservatives, Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas, plans to formally launch his White House bid today with a speech in Topeka. But even those who admire Brownback, and especially his Senate leadership opposing abortion, same-sex marriage and stem-cell research, question the viability of his candidacy.
"Brownback has to prove he can win," said Richard Land, head of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, the nation's largest Protestant denomination.
Land sees different problems for the three leading GOP hopefuls. "Most social conservatives at present are uncomfortable with McCain," he said. "They're appalled by Giuliani." As for Romney, Land said, "He has to convince social conservatives he's become one of them."
It's a striking state of affairs, given the ascendance of the conservative movement since 1964. Although he was crushed in the general election that year, Arizona's Barry Goldwater wrested the Republican Party from its Midwest and Eastern roots, starting a realignment that eventually turned the GOP into the party of Ronald Reagan, the Sunbelt and the
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
I agree, that would be cool!
You seem to be promoting a shift away from advancing conservatism, towards advancing a more moderate-centrist policy for the GOP. That will not work. If the last six years proved anything, its that Republicans can't out liberal the Democrats. They shouldn't ever attempt such nonsense. Promoting the status quo, is promoting liberalism. America has had 40 years of liberalism. We don't need anymore liberal policies from WashDC.
LOL! :0)
I like the way you typed Tommy FRanks.
If we had had someone other than gutless, 'gelded Age' Republicans running, Nov 2006 would have turned out very differently.
As it stands, unless we see someone of the stature of Ronald Reagan enter the fray, we're going to get the Anti-Christ for a president in 2008.
That would be the ideal situation, but wouldn't that result in the death or incapacitance of someone.
I think Hunter could be pushed into prominence by the effort of a sufficient number of dedicated conservatives (and most are).
Good job, and I recall reading even nastier comments of glee following Rick's defeat.
In fact, they said Kerry was better qualified to be CiC than Bush because he was in Vietnam and Bush wasn't!
btt
Are not Romney, Rudy, and McCain "stars" because the MSM has made them so. Last time I checked they had not done me any real favors, the MSM that is (none of the three amigos either, for that matter).
If we let the media define who can run and who cannot, we are well and truly screwed.
There's going to be a vocal, but disappointed, group here at FR that is going to be mighty angry that Hunter's campaign never got going.
Face it. He's unknown outside of his district and FR. Dennis Kucinich is far better known, and what kind of a chance do you give him?
Hunter is a solid conservative, no doubt about it. And in the spirit of transparency, I will mention that I disagree with him on trade matters, but I think AT BEST he might get a cabinet position if a Republican wins the presidency in 2008.
Adding him to the VP ticket won't carry California for the GOP, and there's no way you jump from being an invisible congressman to President in a state you can't even carry.
Yes, a circus is meant to be enjoyed. Don't worry, be happy.
Let's see how powerful we are here at FR. Surely we can elect some of our own! How about Howlin/(you)PSYCHO_FREEP?
*Howlin is sitting on the the beach in Destin. FL as I type this.*
Right, I'm one of those EVIL Globalist, Immigrant loving RINO, Rudy lovers!
And, you're HILARIOUS!
It's a branding technique I picked up a long time ago. ;-)
RIGHT- FREAKING-ON!!!! Thank you very much.
onyx, I'm not seeing the campaign donations pouring in....
I thought so; I try.
The one positive I see is that as long as he stays in the hunt , he will be raising issues and providing views that others may not be as eager to tackle.
This is gonna be one helluva gutcheck run to the '08 election for many, including voters.
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