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From my vantage point both sides have taken their eyes off the ball. The conservative coalition that brought Republican majorities across this land had three basic legs, socons, securitycons and fiscalcons. The truth of the matter is that none of us, and I belong to all three groups, can put together winning majorities without all three groups having something to vote for.

I opposed Rudy from the gitgo and I think the willingness of certain fiscal and security conservatives to throw socons over the side was foolhardy. Likewise I think socons throwing fiscal conservatives and security conservatives over the side is also foolhardy.

None of the three groups should have the temerity to ask the others to vote for liberals. But that is indeed what happened with the Rudy supporters, Rudy is undoubtedly a social liberal. The bounceback has been the loss of many fine intellects who though not conservative on certain issues were certainly moderates rather than liberal.

One can only hope the split here is not a window into the next election cycle. I miss some of my old time friends and opponents who feel they have been left no choice but to leave. But FR isn't a commons and that tragedy is worse than this.

Hopefully a candidate emerges to coalesce around because the next President will be appointing as many as three SCOTUS justices and if the Dims grow a set and cancel funding for the war the umbrella defense will once again fail to keep the enemy out of the end zone.

>>>>>The conservative coalition that brought Republican majorities across this land had three basic legs, socons, securitycons and fiscalcons.

In todays political environment, I think both social and fiscal conservatives remain committed to national defense and strong security minded in overwhelming numbers.

Rudy Giuliani's candidacy as evidenced by the support so many FReepers seem to have for him, HAS fractured the GOP. The old Reagan coalition of social and fiscal conservatives --- Reagan: "The New Republican Party" --- has been already begun to split.

That's why so many FReepers are holding their breath and waiting patiently to see if Fred Thompson enters the race. Rudy must be knocked out of the race NOW, while its still early. If not, the GOP will self destruct in the end.