[freespirited]

FR is about the only place I have encountered that does not recognize conservatism’s three basic types: economic, national security, and social. Those who are not so-cons are derided as liberals no matter how conservative they are fiscally and on national security. Why this is I have no idea; so-con leaders like Tony Perkins and Gary Bauer make the distinction all the time.

Fred is conservative on all three counts which explains why so many FReepers prefer him. Rudy is conservative on two (fiscal & national security) but liberal on social issues.

I don’t know what to make of Mitt because I believe his positions are crafted to the moment. As for the perceived effort to “get him elected” I say fat chance. Here are the latest poll numbers from Hotline.

Hotline Head-to-Heads
McCain 47, Clinton 43
Clinton 49, Romney 37
Obama 41, McCain 39
Obama 56, Romney 26

[srmorton]

Great point! I have often wondered the same thing. Social issues are very important to me (see my tagline), but sometimes I get the impression that they are the only things that matter to many Freepers. I think that the social issues are taking care of themselves right no, but fiscal and national security issues require more attention at this point in our history.

[Antoninus]

Rudy is conservative on two (fiscal & national security) but liberal on social issues.

People keep saying that, but I distinctly remember hearing Rudy say that he agreed with the Clintons on most issues.

If you vote for Rudy based on him being a fiscal and national security conservative, you're in for a big, big disappointment.