Although we might like to be able to see into the future reliably, despite the movies and TV shows, we just can't. That new TV show, Journeyman, sure makes it look interesting though...

Anyway, the question of who the neo-cons will endorse for the 2008 elections is a difficult one to answer. There are two reasons for this. Let's explore these reasons, and then go ahead and make some predictions anyway.

Why It's Hard
The first reason that it is difficult to predict who the neo-cons will endorse for 2008 is because it is actually not that easy to identify these neo-cons. Who are they, really? Are they the newly galvanized Christian right? Are they the environmentally aware conservatives? Are they new capitalists?

Truth is, the only thing we know about neo-conservatism is that the term was coined by an old socialist democrat by the name of Harrington. He used the term as an insult. The term at that time and throughout the years has been used to describe people who were once liberals, but are now new, or neo, cons.

This group has decreased in size over the years since they helped Reagan get into office. Sure, they popped up some to vote ineffectively in an effort to get rid of Clinton before his second term. But they voted for Perot!

In any case, neo-cons are now diffused through much of the conservative side of the voting public. The figureheads that might still exist really can't say who the group will endorse, because the group is fuzzy now.

The other reason that we can't really predict who the neo-cons will endorse in the 2008 elections is that it is far too early. Endorsements right now would be wasted, particularly before the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries. Look around, nobody of any consequence is really endorsing anyone.

Predictions Anyway
Neo-cons probably helped Bill Clinton get his second term. They were so outraged at his moral terpitude that they actually turned out somewhat to try and get him gone.

But they voted for Perot, in large part because the Republican nominee: Bob Dole with Jack Kemp, offered nothing hopeful.

So will the neo-cons vote for the wild card, the dark horse? If they are thinking they really want a change and to move away from all of the mistakes that are being made, they will likely vote for Ron Paul.

Indeed, the huge grassroots movement that is supporting Ron Paul could be called a new neo-conservative movement. Ron Paul is, in fact, a conservative, but is an unusual one. Thus, those supporting him must by association be conservative as well, but a new type of conservative.

You get my meaning?

The other possibility for neo-cons (as if there were only one other option...) would be Mitt Romney. He's a far safer bet. This guy is actually leading Republicans in the polls in both Iowa and New Hampshire. If neo-cons stepped up and endorsed him, they might actually get Romney nominated.

You'll notice I didn't say elected.

So, to sum up a rather long answer to a difficult question, we can say this. If neo-cons were to endorse somebody tomorrow for the 2008 presidential elections, the endorsed candidate would be either Ron Paul for his radical conservative ideas or Mitt Romney for his steady family values and because Romney's already winning.

Learn more about this author, Jared Garrett.
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