To continue the thought, I believe you would add "Then support the R nominee in the general, no matter what", or some variant thereof. Please correct me if this statement is in error.
The problem with this stand is simply that endorsing the R nominee no matter his stance is abrogating one's core principles in favor of party status. No matter what the nominee stands for, even when it contradicts the core tenet of one's political beliefs, the R means that the nominee gets the full support of the voter under this scenario.
In this case, a vote for McCain is a full endorsement of McCain-Feingold's stand againt the first amendment, plus an endorsement of every other questionable or downright wrong legislative act bearing the Arizonan's signature and/or name. I assume that your stumping for McCain will highlight each and every one of these transgressions in a wholly positive light?
This election is based on the Republican party fishing for the least conservative candidate that the conservatives will accept. The primary scheduling and setup, plus the party's handling of the candidates during this time made this perfectly clear. The outcome of this election will dictate for many years what kinds of candidates bubble to the top of the R cess pool.
May I assume you want to see nothing but more luke-cool conservative RINOs like McCain? "R-at-any-cost" voting will guarantee it.
Core principles are not relevant after the primary.
To tenaciously hold to them and vote for a third party or not vote because there is no candidate that meets all of your requirements is a cop out. It is hard work, but after the voters have chosen two candicates in the primaries, one must weigh and measure which of the two to vote for.
We are not Israel where we have many splinter groups and tons of candidates. We are America with two parties in the Presidential election
R at any cost is not what I am saying or would subscribe to.
If the final candidate on a R ticket doesn't fit you, fine, then vote for someone different. But don't whine, don't put the guilt to the party or to anyone other but the voters. The primary decides the candidates (although some claim not...).
The final candidates don't drop from the sky. They are the result of the voters desire or ,like in the case of McCain, disunity. If we all want a conservative next time, then let's unite and push one.
On a different note, this Presidential election is of highest importance for the fate of our country. This election is not the time for protest actions. If this would be a local or state election, I would share the willingness to "teach a lesson". But not this November. With Barack Hussein Obama we have the true essence of our enemy, not just a political adversary, marching towards power. There is too much at stake. And McCain is NOT a bad candidate. He may be less conservative than any other R Presidet, but he still is an American patriot and someone whose politics on most issues, especially the important foreign policy are largely good and at least a continuation of the current administration. A slightly less conservative 3rd Bush administration is something we can live with. A Obama presidency will be disastrous. Make your choice. Let's vote for McCain this time, because a lot is at stake. But from then on all Conservatives have to throw their support at the best conservative in every instance. Our disunity is our fault.