Religious Republicans: Opportunity And Danger

[iamjoy]

The way I see it, there is much to fear and much to hope with the increasing influence and prominence of radical clerics (calling themselves Fundamentalist Christians) in the Republican Party, and by extention, our country.

Danger: We see them doing more and more to get out the vote, and elect Republicans who will do their bidding. Their influence will increase while the Republican Party's power increases. We will see more and more radical candidates being elected, such as Coburn and Thune. They will turn our nation into a theocracy.

Opportunity: There will be a backlash. Moderate Americans will see these candidates backed by the Blackwells and Falwells as too extreme. Here is an example of how it could play out in the 2008 Presidential election. Now either Guiliani or McCain would be a formidable opponent in the general election because they are well liked by moderates. But first, they would have to win the primary. The radical clerics and their followers are getting bolder with their recent victories, but are also mistrustful, some of them feel betrayed by Dubya, that he is too moderate. So they are going to come out in force in the 2008 primary and nominate some one like Pat Robertson. Most Americans will see this person as too extreme and vote for their opponent, if their opponent is worthwhile.

Danger Again: Some one like Robertson could actually win. I'd like to believe this isn't too likely as the Republican leadership would not fully back this candidate and would not help steal the election for them. Also, I would like to believe the country as a whole isn't that crazy.