But, if he does so by insulting the social conservatives, what has he gained.
I'm deeply bothered by a candidate who would essentially start his campaign by publicly insulting half his base, telling them he won't support their issues.
That's not politically astute. And it smacks of country club elitism, as well. It reminds me of...John McCain.
As far as I'm concerned, Daniels dug himself a deep hole that he'll have to climb out of if he's going to win my support.
But that's not what he said. He said he would prioritize fiscal issues over social issues, which I think is very prudent given the magnitude of the looming fiscal crisis.
Politics is about priorities. Not every interest group within the GOP can have its issues prioritized. That's just the reality. I suggest you get used to it.
Besides, there is very little a president can do at the Federal level, anyway, until SCOTUS overturns some bad precedents.
It amazes me how touchy-feely social conservatives have become, wherein they get so easily offended and insulted when a candidate fails to pay them lip service as is honest with them.
Look at it this way. Every GOP president to date has largely focused on things other than social issues when it came to his national policy agenda, even as his paid lip service to the SoCons. Can you seriously point to anything that Reagan, Bush I or Bush II actually accomplished to advance the SoCon agenda, other than giving a bunch of nice-sounding speaches to SoCon audiences?
At least Daniels is being honest with you.