The GOP Is Becoming a Regional Party

As a conservative Republican who voted for Bush and then McCain (whom I'm proud of for fighting an impossible fight against a powerful political machine) - I couldn't agree more with Martin of TX. More than anyone on the left, Bush and especially Cheney and the so-called neo-"Conservatives" have taken the Republican brand far away from traditional social and economic Conservativism. Though Karl Rove's strategy was high on rhetoric - it essentially was a ploy to get us to follow an unrealistic and destructive foreign policy and a wreckless disregard for the Constitution on several issues while being disguised as a strict constructionist. I was confident that Senator McCain could get America back on track by bringing fiscal restraint, consistant following of the Constitution, and a realistic foreign policy (at this point though going in was not the greatest idea, I think we should stay until we are sure that we can responsibly leave Iraq). I hope Obama can do these things, his victory speech indicates that he may be. I hope so.

Given the circumstances of an unpopular incumbant President, the financial crisis, and general and understandable calls for "change" - it is striking that McCain-Palin still were able to get just under half the popular vote -- more strikingly, many moderates and fiscal conservatives voted Obama. This means that if Obama governs too far to the left, a regrouped and revitalized Republican party has a very bright future.

Joe C. of VA 2:50PM November 05, 2008