The Republican-leaning independents mentioned below, are they conservative purists or squishy moderates?
...In the end, the enthusiasm edge may have helped drive right-wing true believers to the polls in disproportionate numbers, and self-described conservatives outnumbered acknowledged liberals by 35 percent to 25 percent, according to exit polls. But this advantage couldn’t compensate for the no-show status of Republican-leaning independents...
No, that is not what I said. No purist is supporting Rand Paul. No purist is saying that Republicans need to expand their like-ability. You have two kinds of Republicans, who are unwilling to vote for what they call RrINOs. Labeling the anti-insider Republicans as social conservatives, serves the purpose of both the Paulers and the MSM.
No real conservative would sit out this election or vote third Party. Conservatives care too much for the country.