It's my understanding that the Democrat Party is rolling out something of a... what, platform? And here I already thought they had one. I haven't read it (well, either the old one or the "new" one), but anybody who has been conscious over the last 25 years knows the drill (appeasement, abortion on demand, more taxes, more government, less liberty, etc.).
Here's the funny thing: the Democrats aren't the only ones in need of a new direction. Conservatives, as distinct and different animals from Republicans, are in need of leadership, direction, and a backbone, for starters. The last Presidential candidate who ran as a real Conservative pretty much humiliated... that other guy who no one remembers any more. Every namby-pamby "compassionate" conservative who has represented the GOP since then has either lost (see: 41) or just squeaked by (see: 43).
Looking ahead to elections in 2008, the GOP front runners are Zell Miller and Joe Lieberman. No, wait. Um... yes, I've got it. John McCain and Rudy Giuliani. But let me ask you - are there material differences among those four names? I for one am puzzled by the dearth of strong Conservative prospects. There are a few, and maybe as 2008 nears they'll become more "household names" (Human Events polls show Tom Tancredo of Colorado as usually the favorite), but I wouldn't wait too long. Money raised today (and McCain is raising it) will be indispensable in campaigning once the season begins.
There's a line of thinking that goes something like this, and I'm unsure if it is right or not: a "moderate" Republican would be good for the Conservative movement because it might finally mobilize the base. True, we have seen Conservatives band together in rejection of some of Bush's less than conservative moments (Harriet Miers, among others, anyone?), but I'd rather see another Reagan in the White House.
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If I may quote a country and western song:
"You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything."
Of course,there is the problem of getting the msm to give unbiased coverage of such a candidate. That's a big problem. It's hard to become a strong candidate for leadership when all the coverage you get indicates that you are a religious right whacko or a warmonger. The implication being, of course, that anyone who embraces those ideologies is too stupid to know any better.
I do think that someone with a strong line on cutting the budget could clear that hurdle, if they were very careful.
Mom,
You are aware that you're quoting Hamilton, too, right? Although I'm sure someone coined the phrase before him, that has been attributed to him.
I think most Americans aren't swayed by what the media says about a particular conservative if that person has the abilty to shape their own image - to not let the media tell the American people who you are, but rather to tell them yourself.
That can be a really big if.
-AH
"Those who stand for nothing fall for anything." - Alexander Hamilton
Could there possibly be a thinner book than "Great Moderates In World History"? Doesn't a moderate, practically by definition, call for consensus? Isn't that the opposite of leadership?
The times in which we live call for great statesmen. Unfortunately...
Hey Ol' Shep-
Why unfortunately? Ordinary people can become extraordinary leaders given the right mix of traits, circumstances, and the Hand of Providence. All we can do is put ourselves out there... something about risking our Lives, Fortunes, and Sacred Honor, right?
-AH
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