[TexasFreeper2009]

There are 3 groups of conservatives that make up the Republican party, collectively they are known as the Reagan coalition.

Social Conservatives

Fiscal Conservatives

National Security Conservatives

Regan was all three, HW Bush was only National Security, Dole was only National Security, W Bush was Social and National Security, McCain was only National Security.

The problem is we need a candidate that has all three, that is wrapped in a package (looks) that Americans can get behind. This is what makes Palin such a threat, she has all three. But she needs to take a crash course on issues, and interviewing to be ready for prime time in 2012.

[Captain Kirk]

The problem is we need a candidate that has all three

If National Security means promotion of national defense, we certainly do. If it means nation-building, Wilsonianism, and world policing (such as support for Obama's expanding wars), we can't afford it.

[fishtank]

excellent summary