Posted on 08/01/2007 11:26:36 AM PDT by Whatnow
If I was interested in simply electing a Republican, regardless of their ideology, I'd have no problem with the current crop of candidates. Since my interest is conservatism I have major problems with them.
Republican’s controlled all three wings of our government for years. They did a lot of things wrong during that time. Now as a Nation we will pay the price with higher Taxes and any other crazy thing’s the Democrats may come up with.
Even old-time Democrat know they are being crushed by taxes, and losing their jobs. They want the borders secure, and know most Democrat’s have been aiding and Democrat abetting the ACLU in destroying this country. They want a choice. Conservative Democrat’s and principled Republicans will stay home if we are force-fed a candidate who cannot verbally articulate a clear message, and one he has been consistent on. It’s the credibility factor. Even when we do not agree with everything a candidate says or does, we need to know the candidate believes what he is saying, and that he holds some fundamental principles that he applies in his own life.
All the Democrats want and promise or more handouts. They get an automatic turnout of give me voters. Republicans must offer a conservative option. We need to get away from the Ted Kennedy wing of the Republican Party. Republicans want to vote for people of principle.
In fact, nearly any candidate is going to be a compromise to the majority of his constituents. And when George W. Bush who took the tough and proper road in to Iraq. And also became the one who outraged a lot of conservatives with his illegal immigration policy. It is unfortunate for him and perhaps the Republican Party in general that this particular issue arose when it did, but that was Bush's choice and was in no way incompatible with his well-known track record. It all came in the same box.
And so we have a lot of conservatives vowing "no more Bush's" out of disappointment, willing to risk a less broadly popular candidate - a Republican - in order to return to more orthodox conservative principles.
We need a candidate with political courage and principles to stand up for our freedom, believes in tax reform, defends our police, military, and border patrol, immigration reform, defends human life very clearly, against wasteful spending, and understands, and has written legislation to bring back fair and just trade policies with China.
If we give them someone “moderate” or who is not clear and distinct difference and consistent on his positions, or who leaves people, even his friends, confused about what he actually thinks, we will get a democrat in the White House.
I'm not saying a return to conservative principle is in any way wrong, but recognize going in what the cost is likely to be, and don't fall back to blaming the party (as I have seen some on this site do with regard to the 2006 contest) when that uncompromising action results in the other side's candidate in office. That's politics.
Yes, but people need to see a clear and distinct difference. They need to see someone who is strong, articulate, wants to defend this country, and knows his facts.
So what do we need to do to save the Republican Party?
Duncan Hunter. He’s not perfect but he’s close.
Duncan Hunter.
Most of the rest love the idea of enriching China.
Actually, I think, and have thought for a while now, the Republican Party is beyond saving.
It won't be easy, and the Republic may pay a bit, but what I honestly believe is that we need a new Constitutionally conservative Party.
Oh, to be sure, on election day I find myself still pulling the lever for Republicans, but for over a decade now, it has been for the lesser of two evils and unless a Hunter, Thompson, Gingrich, or Alan Keyes type of conservative is their nominee, I will more than likely be faced with doing the same once again, if I bother to vote at all.
Now if I was to opt out of the process, it would be the first time in the 40 years I have been of legal age to vote. While I don't want to even consider "not voting", I can tell you it is becoming a real challenge to continue to convince myself that it is my responsibility to do so as a citizen of the Republic.
Retired and living in south Texas, it would be no problem to be at the golf course on election day, 2008.
B4DH = Bump for Duncan Hunter
“verbally articulate a clear message, and one he has been consistent on”
The only candidate that meets these criteria is Ron Paul. And we know what some here think of that.
Forget the Republican Party. It is a lost cause. It does not represent conservative or libertarian ideals.
They should declare themselves morally bankrupt, and disband. As should the Democrats. Let them organize a political party which actually represents American citizens. Then we can honestly give them permission to govern. Until then? I am planning to vote Libertarian.
Well it comes down to Fred Thompson or Ron Paul. Since I’m not a pot smoker I’ll go with Thompson.
Support whomever is nominated, and not pull that stunt that got Clinton elected. (supporting a 3rd party spoiler)
Let’s not forget. After voting for the lesser of two evils, all complaints are met with “You knew what you were getting when you voted for him”.
That won’t be the case for me next time.
Then there’s the ever popular “You’ll elect Hillary”.
If Hillary becomes president it will be the fault of a failed GOP alone. In fact, I blame an ever more “moderate” GOP for allowing democrats to feel comfortable moving ever leftward.
“So what do we need to do to save the Republican Party?”
Return to and stay in, the conservative roots.
“Support whomever is nominated, and not pull that stunt that got Clinton elected. (supporting a 3rd party spoiler)”
Won’t happen unless it’s a conservative. If it’s not, a conservatives name will be the write in candidate.
No more liberal to moderate republicans.
Not ever.
My vote, as well as all citizens, is mine to cast or not to cast and to whom and for what reasons I alone choose.
2008 will be an interesting election to watch, only in regards to what further harm will or will not be done to the Republic.
I am not holding my breath, however.
Actually, I fear we (the Republic) has already crossed the Rubicon of greatness.
"We the people" sure aren't what we once were and that is about the kindess way can put my feelings on "our fellow citizens".
Thanks again,
Greg Adams
Support whomever is nominated, and not pull that stunt that got Clinton elected.
With all due respect, supporting whomever is nominated is what encourages the GOP to move left.
If the gop wants to be competitive nationwide, it will take a lot more than one presidential candidate.
Republicans got a lot of support in ‘94 because they connected with the average American, not just their party base.
The average voter usually doesn’t pay much attention to the political shenanigans played by the two major parties. They pay attention to running their families and being part of their communities. They measure the success of the economy based not on government reports they don’t understand and probably don’t believe, they measure based on whether or not their family is doing better than they did last year. They measure based on what they think is going on in America, and overseas. They are not stupid and they are not gullible.
They don’t really know much about what left or right means as it applies to candidates, but they know that if they are dissatisfied with whomever is in office now, they vote to give the other party a chance. They have short memories.
To the 1/3 of the voting population that doesn’t identify themselves as either democrat or republican, it will take a mission and a vision that is repeated by every candidate at every level that states clearly what they will do in office.
What’s the Republican Party to do?
What are they willing to do?
What the Republican Party always does — cave and move left.
These people hve a virtually infinite capacity for learning the wrong lesson.
Duncan Hunter, Fred Thompson, Ron Paul.
If the GOP wants to win, listen to the voters,
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.