What does a candidate who believes in all the "core values" get you in the general election? 40-44% of the vote and that ain't gonna cut it in 2008. Pick your battles my friend as losing in 2008 is not a pleasant thought.
The 'battle' as you put it, is not about whether Rudy can beat Hillary. Hillary will self-destruct, she can't help it. Her temper like Howard Deans mouth will expose her as 'damaged goods'. Hopefully later AFTER she wins the nomination rather than sooner.
If Rudy was a Democrat, he would be the best candidate they have. As a Republican candidate, he is what the Democrats want, Pro-abortion, pro-gun control, pro-gay marriage.
Once you have decided to give up or set aside your core values for gaining the White House, you have fallen into the hands of the RINO's.
And we have enough of those to go around now.
Amen!
AFAIC it's no more unpleasant than "winning" with a RINO social ultra-liberal and avowed enemy of 2nd Amendment rights. Take away the R after his name and you have the typical NYC Democrat pol.