Eschaton

According to this article in The Hill, conservative republicans are whining because they're not being given the coveted prime-time speaking slots at September's convention. Instead, those who have more moderate views on abortion and gay rights and represent the "best and the brightest" of the party are being tapped, including our favorite movie star governor in a starring role. Other speakers will be McCain, Giuliani, and Pataki.

Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Colo.) told The Hill: “The convention is using
people that run the State Department because they are accustomed to
the concept that they must not rock any boats, so that everything runs
smoothly. The people who reflect the majority of the party should certainly
be given a chance to present their positions.”

Unfortunately for Tancredo, the choice of speakers says more about the actual size of the conservative movement than anything else, doesn't it? Polls consistently show that Americans do not think the country is headed in the right direction. Of course, we know that Bush appeared more moderate when he ran in 2000, and look what he's done since. Is this appeal to the center going to work? Are the repubs saying one thing only to move farther to the right if elected? Again?