[PapaBear3625]

Party moderates have opined time and again that a more middle-of-the-road presidential candidate could win Pennsylvania. McCain was touted as that candidate. It was a double-digit trouncing.

No more moderates. They have no ability to excite passion in the conservative base, and why would a liberal vote for a moderate Repub when a liberal Dem is available?

[verity]

"They have no ability to excite passion in the conservative base, and why would a liberal vote for a moderate Repub when a liberal Dem is available?"

What you are saying is that the conservative base, unless their passion is excited, will allow a liberal Dem to be elected. And the second part of your proposition suggests that a liberal would vote for other than a liberal Dem [i.e. a conservative].