1. Realizing of course that Lincoln was just about the ultimate 'big government' candidate and president.
2. That said, I agree that Fred is the only republican in the running that all factions could vote for...otherwise the party is destined for minority status in just about a year.
3. That said, today's pubby party wouldn't give Fred the nod short of a general uprising at grass roots, and that ain't gonna happen.
You'd be surprised....IMO, it's already started.
Ask the RNC how contributions are running these days....the conservatives are the people with deep enough political beliefs to make reaching deep into their pocket for meaningful contributions palatable. Do you really think all these 'Pubbie moderates are that committed? Or are they just looking for a passing ship in the night?
The RNC either knows that they are in trouble or are just plain ignorant.