While I disagree only slightly with your premise that "it's too late" - because I believe in Jesus and He told me to believe, "It's never too late".
That said, your point (you cannot be a gentlemen with a thug) is well taken because I believe it's one of the reasons for Rudy's popularity. When he told the Saudi prince he could take his $10 million and put it where the sun don't shine .. Rudy gained a MEGA-sized following and it's never left him.
And .. again .. when Jesus confronted the Jewish leaders and called them "a brood of vipers" - He never apologized for speaking that truth about them.
People are looking for a STRONG MAN who will take the lead and say what needs to be said and let the chips fall where they may .. I don't mean spewing vicious hatred at other people.
But .. people (me included) are so sick and tired of the PC attitude and language .. and quite frankly, I've only seen Rudy and Newt step up to the plate in that regard.
I loved it when President Bush said, "Bring it on" - then he almost apologized for saying it and said it was his wife's idea to soften his speech. He almost lost me with that one.
Thanks for your very thoughtful reply.
Re: "It's too late for GOP." I believe I read somewhere in the Good Book that the Lord helps those who helps themselves.
Republicans have done little to help themselves. In fact, truth be told, the GOP is only a step or two behind the Democrat/socialists.
I don't see any Republicans trying to cut spending, reduce taxes significantly, reduce the size of government, restore Constitutional rule of law, deport illegal aliens or stop the invasion of illegal immigrants. I could go on.