Robert George (finally) defects. (free, r.r.)
...to be clear, the point isn't that I expect a bunch of conservatives, as George is, to see the light and become liberals. I, for one, believe a healthy democracy requires a reasonable amount of debate, some degree of partisanship, and that in our specific system of government, one party total rule is generally a bad thing, even if it's my party.
What's been sad to watch over the past few years is how many conservatives have demonstrated themselves to be "movement conservatives," with more emphasis on the movement than the conservative part. Power has trumped ideology. George, being a Gingrich conservative, was at one time a "movement conservative" and thus far hasn't really broken ranks. It's important that serious people who do care for more than power for its own sake step forward. The only "conservative" reason to support a Bush administration is lower taxes, but without accompanied lower spending all you're supporting is tax postponement.
This is a problem all partisans face -- how much do you just support "your guy" no matter what. The sad thing about the younger generation of conservatives is that they've been almost entirely uncritical of the current administration. It's nice to see one step up to the plate - presumably at great risk to reputation, career, and friendship.
Kerry's no conservative, but it's clear that for some honest conservatives, he's a "lesser evil," both from a short term policy perspective, and for the longer term viability of their ideology.
