Rule or ruin?

For the past 25 years, liberal Republicans have chafed at the domination of the party by it right wing. In particular, they have been put off by having the "religious right" wield more power than they. William Weld, Christine Whitman, Arlen Spector and the other "RINOS" constantly whined and complained about the abortion plank in the Presidential platform, among other things.

The response to this from conservatives was typically, "You're welcome in the party, but if you want your ideas to dominate, you'll have to win at the ballot box." That's fair enough. In the meantime, this ideological divide between the social-liberals-that-want-to-tax-and-spend-slightly-less-than-the-Democrats and the conservatives has torn apart the party in some states. The GOP is basically dead as a statewide party in Illinois, due to this struggle.

Now we have a real, though in my opinion less than 50-50, chance of a member of the Northeastern RINO wing attaining the nomination. Giuliani would be far more conservative than Whitman, Weld or Spector, but he does have a rather seedy personal life and is no less liberal than the Democrats on social issues.

The influence of the President on social issues is felt largely (though not exclusively) by his judicial nominations. Giuliani promises to do well on that count, but then, so did Bush 41 – and he appointed Souter. Bush made this monumental mistake because it just wasn't important enough to him to do a good job. The same thing could happen with Giuliani. However, Bush 41 also appointed Clarence Thomas.

While I can imagine Giuliani appointing a justice that as bad as one Hillary Clinton would appoint, I can't imagine Clinton appointing one as good as one Giuliani could appoint. Therefore, I think Joe Carter's game theory breaks down here. Like Joe, I prefer others to Giuliani, but I wouldn't refuse to support him if he wins.

I understand what Joe is saying: Fred! or Romney (or even McCain) would be better choices for the GOP moderates (since they can't win without the conservative grassroots). However, another Clinton presidency will not help anyone on the Right. I can believe that people like Dobson can claim that their "movements" will be better off (i.e., better funded) with a Clinton victory, but I don't believe it's better for the rest of us.

The conservatives need to listen to their own advice: If you want to run the party, recruit good candidates and get them elected. Talk about third party protest votes in wartime is embarrassingly stupid.