Why are so many Repugs running to the center?

[unschooler]

Hmmm....

Bush, McCain and Snow are actually speaking the phrase "global warming."

Frist is for stem cell research.

We're going to see force reductions in Iraq (yeah, right).

We've got to quit letting these people read the polls.... ;)

[VPStoltz]

1. Yet Pataki and Romney are running to the right

to try to get the Chimp and his winged monkeys on board with them for a nomination. The ultimate hypocracy that needs to be exploited by any opponent.

[unschooler]

2. Sorry, but a nomination for what? Do they want to be prez?

[VPStoltz]

10. That is apparently what they are posturing for...

[libhill]

3. Like rats deserting a sinking ship of state

maybe the ass hats see the writing on the wall -

[wli]

4. they've probably heard Cheney's plots and are running for cover

That is, under the assumption that someone else is going to stop those plots.

[NYCGirl]

5. Maybe they're looking to meet Hillary there.

:evilgrin:

[AlCzervik]

6. Some Du'er imo nailed it the other day-"the far right is full"

[unschooler]

7. It's a sad day when you have to take a number to be RW radical.

[newyawker99]

8. Hi unschooler!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[unschooler]

9. Thanks, newyawker99!

:hi:

[Telly Savalas]

11. None of these things have jack squat with moving to the center.

The phrase "global warming" is no more centrist or liberal than the phrase "cloudy" or "gravity". Supporting stem cell research is simply a sign that one is aware it's the 21st century. Force reductions in Iraq are meaningless unless it's a complete withdrawal. A partial pullout just means the occupation continues, but the U.S. military will have a tougher time doing its job.

A move to the center by a Republican would be something like expressing outrage at Bush's recess appointment of an unqualified nominee to the U.N. ambassadorship.

[Oerdin]

12. They're positioning themselves to run for President in 2008

It's three years away but the rats are already starting to line up and they know Americans like Centrists more then extremists so they're trying to change their image. BTW the force draw down in Iraq will happen even if the situation remains bad or gets worse. The reason is National Guard and Reserve forces make up 50% of the troop strength in Iraq but legally Bush can't keep them active more then a total of 2 years out of 5 years. Starting next summer there won't be enough Reserve and National Guard forces left under the 2 year limit to continue the current force unless the law is changed.

Even the most die hard chicken hawk won't vote to change the law in an election year so we will see those troop reductions.