If a Republican President is elected in 2008...

[nclib]

Option 1.

The only way the Republicans win in 2008 is if they nominate someone more moderate than Bush, given the Republican fatigue and the country's changing demographics.

[Jacobtm]

A Republican won't win if the main issues he campaigns on are issues where he's more Liberal than Bush. Someone like McCain, who's liberal on certian issues but hardcore Conservative on issues might win by covering up his liberal side, but you're not going to have someone who admits to being more moderate than Bush.

That is, you're not going to have someone admitting to be more moderate than bush and WINNING.

[Nym90]

Probably less conservative; this would give the GOP a much better chance of winning.

[Republican Michigander]

Much much more conservative than the liberal Bush.

I still don't get how he has a "conservative" reputation outside of the fact that he talks tough, is outspokenly Christian, and lives in Texas.

He's no fiscal conservative, and really isn't all that socially conservative either. Only foreign policy is he "to the right" in some areas, and nationbuilding isn't exactly a right-wing area.

[MODU]

It will probably be more conservative . . . at least economically.

[TomC]

A Republican won't win if the main issues he campaigns on are issues where he's more Liberal than Bush. Someone like McCain, who's liberal on certian issues but hardcore Conservative on issues might win by covering up his liberal side, but you're not going to have someone who admits to being more moderate than Bush.

That is, you're not going to have someone admitting to be more moderate than bush and WINNING.

Exactly

[Jacobtm]

Option 1.

The only way the Republicans win in 2008 is if they nominate someone more moderate than Bush, given the Republican fatigue and the country's changing demographics.

What in the world would someone be more Liberal on? Are they going to want to repeal his tax cuts? You can't get left of Bush's immigration stance within the Republican party. No Republican will come out in support of Gay Marriage. The issue of Iraq isn't liberal or conservative, so that doesn't really matter.

[WalterMitty]

the same.

[7,052,770]

It'll have to be the same or more conservative to be able to win, or else the base won't come out and vote.

[Boris]

It will probably be more conservative . . . at least economically.

Hell, if a Democrat is elected, (s)he'll be more conservative economically than Bush.

[adam]

It will probably be more conservative . . . at least economically.

Hell, if a Democrat is elected, (s)he'll be more conservative economically than Bush.

Exactly. Without going back to the 1800's I can't think of a more fiscally irresponsible liberal than George W.

[MODU]

It will probably be more conservative . . . at least economically.

Hell, if a Democrat is elected, (s)he'll be more conservative economically than Bush.

Exactly. Without going back to the 1800's I can't think of a more fiscally irresponsible liberal than George W.

Bush gets the blame for not vetoing some of the bills, but the Congress deserves more of the blame for porking up spending bills, especially bills designed for funding the military/wars.  (When discussing "fiscal irresponsibility" you need to take the wars into account.)

[adam]

It will probably be more conservative . . . at least economically.

Hell, if a Democrat is elected, (s)he'll be more conservative economically than Bush.

Exactly. Without going back to the 1800's I can't think of a more fiscally irresponsible liberal than George W.

Bush gets the blame for not vetoing some of the bills, but the Congress deserves more of the blame for porking up spending bills, especially bills designed for funding the military/wars.  (When discussing "fiscal irresponsibility" you need to take the wars into account.)

That's half of my problem, I do take the war into account. We evidentally do not have the funds to send our guys into battle with proper armor and efficent supplies...yet we have enough money to begin space travel projects and toss money into Star Wars military projects. It's disgusting.

I do agree that congess isn't any more fiscally responsible than the president but come on...he hasn't vetoed ONE spending bill since he has been in office. Not one. Even FDR said no from time to time.