We can play a part in that.
If McCain gets elected, we should support him when he acts as a Conservative, and he will on some issues. On those issues where he does not act as a Conservative, we need to oppose him vigorously.
The candidates in 2012 or 2016 will also have to help define why the Conservative approach is the best approach. If they can do that, and can connect with the voters, then they can win election even if McCain behaves as a RINO in office.
If we allow Barak or Hillary! to assume the office, where they control the military and appoint the judges with a rubber stamp Senate, there may not be much of a country left for whoever we run in 2012. That needs to be prevented at all costs.
If McCain gets elected, we should support him when he acts as a Conservative, and he will on some issues. On those issues where he does not act as a Conservative, we need to oppose him vigorously."
I don't disagree with that, but that's not the concern.
We're trying to decide if we should support McCain getting elected in the first place. If so, there may not be a major party representing conservatism. The concern essentially is if the negative consequences of and Obama presidency along with its positive effects on conservatism together be better in the long run than the less negative consequences of a McCain presidency along with the negative effects on conservatism?
I don't think the choice is clear.