[philman_36]

There is merit behind having a “big tent” as long as you don't have an infinitely large tent.
But that "infinitely large tent" is just what has been happening for the last 12+ years and we all see where that has gotten us. From the sounds of things some want to make the tent even bigger!
Just as Reagan felt that the Democratic party had left him many are starting to feel like the Republican party has left them.

...the “RINO” charge (nice pun)...
You caught me out!

I think the key is to have an approach that is consistent with conservative principles, then we can discuss it.
I did say..."Without that base of shared beliefs and values what you get is a shifting foundation whereupon nothing can be built."
I quite agree that there will be minor disagreements. The sacrifice of base, core principals is IMO what is being sacrificed. The little things won't matter a bit if those are gone.

It is political suicide to tell people they have to agree with me on everything before they can be part of my party.
It is also political suicide to tell people that their core principles will be upheld when the party never had the intention of doing so to begin with and only stated as much simply to get elected.

[HappyinAZ]

“It is also political suicide to tell people that their core principles will be upheld when the party never had the intention of doing so to begin with and only stated as much simply to get elected.”

IMO...our “core’ principals are: no abortion/lowerspending and taxes/spoort the military/support capitalism.

MCain did and does all of the above and continues to be trashed by a number of freepers.

The problem appears to be that we can HAVE a canidate with the CORE we want...but if they dare to disagree on ANYTHING....we call them a RINO and kick them out.

Makes for a VERY small voting pool. Perhaps you guys SHOULD form your own party and see how it goes?