[Man50D]

Hillary is a definite socialist (or worse). I don’t think Rudy would be any more of a socialist than Bush (No Child Left Behind, Medicare Drug Bill, lack of border enforcement, etc). But I would much rather have a big government Republican that will keep us safe than a bigger-government liberal who will get us killed.

So you admit the GOP has socialists. By all means, let's settle for some socialism to prevent too much socialism. That only creates a gray area where The question then becomes when is there too much? Your type of thinking reflects the slippery slope the GOP has followed for decades and has resulted in the socialism creep now present in the Republican party. By your line of thinking a small house fire is OK because it would prevent a bigger house fire. The GOP should be focusing on putting out the fire by eliminating socialists from the party.

[joonbug]

“The GOP should be focusing on putting out the fire by eliminating socialists from the party”

Won’t happen. Like entropy, the size of government will continue to increase. And in turn a greater quest for power. I’d love to see a real conservative in the White House but it’s not likely to happen. So I can wish for what won’t happen or make the best choice of available options.

Government grew under Reagan and I wouldn’t describe him as a socialist...