So, why do you think it is that, after the success of conservatism under Reagan, conservatives have failed miserably at getting a conservative the nomination for President, while the liberals seem to have no trouble getting their choices nominated?
Do you think this is the fault of moderates, or the fault of conservatives?
The Democrats haven nominated all liberals since the end of WWII --- Truman, Stevenson, Kennedy, Johnson, Humprhey, McGovern, Carter, Mondale, Dukakis, Clinton, Gore, Kerry and Obama.
During that time the US has moved further and further leftward. You wonder why? LOL
Unlike the Democratic Party, which is basically filled with 99% faithful liberals. The modern Republican Party is about 60% dyed-in-the-wool conservatives. Another 25% are staunch fiscal conservatives and 15% are liberals --- or what we use to call, Rockefeller Republicans. The later is where you'll find most of the neo-cons.
Its that moderate, or centrist constituency that runs the GOP from their lofty perch high above us rightwing commoners. They've been choosing who gets the bulk of the party support and the financial backing to run for the nomination. That wasn't more evident then in the last election. Fred Thompson and Duncan Hunter represented serious conservatism, but could never gain widespread support. Giulaini and Romney represented the liberal wing, while McCain and Huckabee represented the more moderate wing of the GOP. And what happened? The party was torn apart. If it wasn't for Sarah Palin, McCain would have lost as bad as Goldwater did in 1964.
Conservatives who believe in supporting a strict agenda on all issues and adherence to the Constitution, don't ever get the proper representation from the GOP party elites. AKA.: The Powers That Be. Eventually, the only answer is for conservatives to form a party of their own. One that advances OUR traditional values and beliefs, along with OUR core principles and convictions.
Just as Reagan did in the late 1970`s, we conservatives need to tell the moderates, if you want to join us, fine. Otherwise, there is no room for a center/center-left policy agenda in a "Conservative Party". And there is no room for liberal candidates like Giuliani and Romney, or moderate candidates like McCain and Huckabee. They may be able to serve in some capacity, just not as President or Vice President.
I figure if the Democrats can unite behind a liberal-socialist agenda for the last 75 years. Conservatives should be able to unite behind an agenda based on the Constitution and more in line with the Reagan policy agenda of the 1980`s and Newt's CWA agenda of the 1990`s.
The GOP has a serious leadesrhip void. Until we find someone who has solid conservative credentials, serious political skills and strong leadership abilities, the GOP will not win back the Presidency or the Congress.
So, blame whoever you want. You know where I stand.