Over the years I have maintained and email relationship w/ my old business attorney. He's a hard-corp conservative who hates McCain, thinks Bush is a traitor for not closing the border and hasn't met a tax cut he doesn't like.
I recently asked him a question about the 08 GOP field with an assumption that he would be leaning towards Newt. He's response was very telling...
Newt isn't my favorite guy but who knows he might get there. I think he is genuinely smart even brilliant in some areas unlike Bush, Gore and Kerry for example. But, he also plays a lot of games it seems and that gives rise to questioning his core beliefs and principles. For example, he joins with Hillary on an initiative. What could that be calculated to do in terms of helping him on the GOP side? It's only calculated to help him in a general election. So, lots of posturing and games although I guess who doesn't these days. These days someone with principles who will stick to them is more attractive to me even if I disagree with them on some issues. The pundits seem to think that a McCain-Guilani ticket is the sure thing. I'm not sure either one can win the primaries although they might do well in the general election. The best qualified GOPer might be Jeb Bush but I'm afraid GW has pretty much ruined his chances. Other than the WOT, GW has lost the support of millions of guys like me with his wimpy domestic agenda and failure to lower spending, shut down the borders, and do more on taxes and energy policy. I think we should all draft Zel Miller to run for president. Even though I disagree with him on a lot of issues, I at least trust him to exercise some judgment and critical thinking.