There are a lot of different factors in play here. If Romney becomes the nominee and miraculously wins the general—and it will take a miracle, given his lack of scruples, charisma, and relatability—Republican voters will most likely be deenergized going into the midterms and Democrats amped up. (Barring a cataclysm such as the 9/11 attacks, and even in such an event Willard would not prove an inspiring leader.) So we have to ask: is it likely Romney would be a bold conservative willing to stand up to a Democrat Congress? Are you kidding? And predictably, large numbers of congressional Republicans would vote for liberal proposals out of loyalty to a liberal Republican president, whereas they’d oppose such things if proposed by a Dem.
For my own part, I hope that if Romney’s nominated, a solid and credible conservative throws his hat in the ring as a third party candidate. That would bring out conservative voters who’d likely stay home otherwise, and would increase Republicans’ chances of holding the House and perhaps taking the Senate.
Sorry, but I just won’t vote for Romney. Not under any circumstances. Those who would vote for him would probably vote for Hillary Clinton if she deigned to accept the Republican nomination.
That’s good thinking. I made a similar case in this post here. Conservative Republicans seem to have an INCREDIBLY difficult time thinking even a little bit long-term when it comes to strategy. The liberal wing of the GOP are the political experts who are leading the conservative wing to slaughter with this bought and paid for Romney candidacy.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2862630/posts?q=1&;page=251#263
Bravo. The Hillary example is one I've been using for a while. The question Republicans need to ask themselves is how far is too far? How liberal does the Republican candidate have to be before you will NOT vote for them? I'd say that a candidate who is a proven serial liar and who, as governor, promoted abortion, gay marriage, socialized medicine, higher taxes, etc. IS GOING TOO FAR. People have to realize the President is the leader of the party. Where he goes, everyone else will follow. The party members, the elected officials, the voters, everyone. The Republican party as we know it might cease to exist if Romney becomes President.