CONSERVATIVES PERPLEXED, DISHEARTENED, OVER 2008 GOP CANDIDATES<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
 
By Jan Markell
http://www.olivetreeviews.org
 
 
A group of influential Republicans and conservatives recently met to discuss the dilemma of the looming 2008 election and lack of a prominent, electable candidate on the right.  Paul Weyrich of the Free Congress Foundation even stated that there is "extreme anxiety" over this in conservative circles. 
 
Gary Bauer, who was one of my spring 2005 "Understanding the Times" speakers, said back then that his greatest concern was that conservatives would sit out some future elections.  Some ask, "Where are the Ronald Reagans of the 21st century?"  Answer: Missing in action.
 
Conservatives have already declared their hostility to Sen. John McCain after he labeled Christians "agents of intolerance."  Mayor Rudy Giuliani has liberal social ideas, has participated in "gay day" parades, and has had three marriages.  Christians particularly are troubled by the idea of a Mormon in the White House, that of Mitt Romney.  Others say that should be irrelevant, but Romney also has had liberal positions on social issues.
 
The social issues are important to conservatives, but the war on terror also needs to be as the Left is dropping that ball.  Conventional wisdom says once we pull back or out of <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Iraq, the suicide bombers come to America. Which candidate will be the most qualified to protect America?  Who on the right should be "Commander in Chief" of our armed forces particularly if this WWIII continues as it likely will?  Again, no easy, quick answer.
 
Qualified, competent leaders exist but lack the funds and name recognition to win. They include Gov. Mike Huckabee of Arkansas, Rep. Duncan Hunter of California, Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas, Cong. Tom Tencredo of Colorado, and the defeated Republican from Pennsylvania, Rick Santorum.  Santorum delivered an outstanding speech to the group on the gathering threat of radical Islam.
 
Third parties continue to try to make a dent in every campaign including 2008.  At this point, the candidates are not electable, even though organizations like the Constitution Party run reputable men.
 
"Campaign 2008" began a year earlier than usual and it's not too soon to begin praying for the leader who will be raised to the highest position in the world: President of the United States.  But there is something disingenuous about men like Romney and McCain coming out now claiming to be "Christian conservatives" in their attempt to garner the evangelical vote.
 
In Bible times God gave Israel the kings she deserved.  If Israel behaved poorly, she got wicked kings.  I believe America may get what we deserve as well in 2008 unless there is a groundswell of righteousness coming from our leaders.  That is barely visible in 2007.  How would it change the end of 2008?  Is that even possible?  With God, nothing is impossible.
 
RADIO ARCHIVES: I have posted one of the Q & A sessions from my "Fall 2006 Understanding the Times" conference on "archives" even though it is not radio but rather a live recording.  World Net Daily Editor Joseph Farah and prophecy/Bible scholar Dr. David Reagan spend about one-half hour answering questions from the audience and me.  Here is the link:  http://www.olivetreeviews.org/radio/mp3/ 
You can order six tapes or CDs at "Our  Products" on the Web site. The price is reduced from $30 to $22 plus shipping.