That’s true, but when McCain loses, he and the liberal Republicans will be able to blame not only conservatives, but also libertarians, whom they believe OWE the Republican nominee their votes regardless of how little he has to offer anybody but liberal Republicans and moderate Democrats (Socialist Lites,) a group not nearly large enough to elect anyone to the presidency, or for that matter, maintain a viable party. So much for that Republican “Big Tent.”
Yep, it may win in November because the Dem nominee is particulary repugnant this time around, but it won’t work in the long run. The Dems will offer leftism and goodies, while the Pubbies offer leftism only. Game, set and match to the Dems.
Enough disaffected conservatives WILL seek other parties in large enough numbers to cause the Pubbies to be a permanent minority, if the Pubbies don’t get their heads straight and remember what wins elections.
As for your statement that the Republicans feel that libertarians OWE them their votes, you’re dead on, and I’ve also been quite surprised at how many people on this forum believe that conservatives OWE their vote to the Pubbies. My vote is my own. I will make my own judgement about what is in the long term best interest of the country, not any particular party, and I will act accordingly. No party has a claim to my or anyone else’s vote, and the arrogance to think otherwise is appalling. The “Where ya gonna go?” attitude will be the death knell of the Republican Party.