Quote:
Originally Posted by CaptainHaplo
Where I disagree with you is the "end result" comment. I see the last 6-8 years differently. 8 years ago (2004) the nation re-elected a "moderate" republican, a neo-con, who was anything BUT conservative on issues of fiscal sanity. In 2006, the backlash hit, with Team D making significant strides in the midterms. 2008 - Team R nominates another establishment candidate with a history of waffling on issues that were not pro-conflict. In other words - a Moderate neo-con. He lost. 2010 rolls around and the "tea party" - a group of active, concerned citizens with an intent to get back to constitutional government - not "left" or "right" - suddenly makes its appearance. The result is a major gain for Team R candidates who profess constitutional principles that happen to also be "conservative" ideals. 2012 presidenctial election - Team R throws up yet another Moderate candidate - and even against a guy with a failed record - Team R loses. WHY? Because 3 Million of its voters stayed home.
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I think you're falling into the same trap that the Republicans fell into after 2008. That is, the belief that if only the candidates were
more conservative then they could be elected. Romney, while a political chameleon, was as right as the party wanted him to be. He was all about repealing Obamacare,fiscal solvency, etc. He was also outspokenly pro-life and in favor of traditional marriage. He was as right as they get, and still managed to lose. Throw in either of the viable candidates in Gingrich and Santorum and they also lose, but by larger margins. Romney was the party's best bet for 2012. I think that the results are very clear in the diminishing returns for Republicans each election cycle. Being further right only reduces the party to a regional power, as it would appear that shifting demographics have brought into question just how center-right the American electorate is.
I also think it's rather debatable as to just how 'grassroots' the Tea Party movement actually is and was, but that takes us into a tangent that is well outside the scope of this thread's topic.