Bravo. The Hillary example is one I've been using for a while. The question Republicans need to ask themselves is how far is too far? How liberal does the Republican candidate have to be before you will NOT vote for them? I'd say that a candidate who is a proven serial liar and who, as governor, promoted abortion, gay marriage, socialized medicine, higher taxes, etc. IS GOING TOO FAR. People have to realize the President is the leader of the party. Where he goes, everyone else will follow. The party members, the elected officials, the voters, everyone. The Republican party as we know it might cease to exist if Romney becomes President.
Okay, all good points, but how about this. I have been doing some deep political thinking, be prepared to be underwhelmed :)
I think a lot of people would agree with these 2 things:
1) If romney got in, he would at least, get the locomotive of the private sector back on the tracks. I think Donald Trump would keep him honest there... and there are thin spots there, I know, but in general, he would get the engine of the private sector going. 2) He would diddle with obamacare, start putting the brakes on, at least, not a repeal like, say, Newt, promised. but he would put some breaks on, and with a stalwart senate and house, might even do more...
Both of those are generally speaking...
but then, how about this:
Romney, if he wins, could be the best things that ever happened to the true GOP conservatives...
With all this talk about newt going to the convention, I started to do some reading about the last time that happened, and it seems Reagan ran a primary challenge to Gerald Ford. He didn't beat him, but he did make a pretty strong showing - not sure about the details of that, just getting familiar with that whole event.
But, if romney gets in, and he will need all republicans to do that, but if the conservatives start on January 21, 2013, to develop, organize, grow and put in a place a primary challenge to him immediately, they could get a pretty impressive, noncompromised plan in place.
In the meantime, Romney will have at least slowed things down, and the true patriots could get there ducks in a row, and there are some very pretty conservative ducks that could be lined up... and this time, do it right.
Anyway, from the caverns of my mind and corners of my heart, I came up with this... probably really dumb and naive... but I thought it might have some merit.
All I know is, the thought of a primary challenge to romney would motivate almost as much as Newt does.
To be clear: I believe Newt will win. He is going to the convention. He has what it takes...