The forthcoming purge

Hugh Hewitt's latest article contrasts the differences between how Republicans see the war on Terror and how Democrats see it. Short viersion; Democrats are sissys and pansies; Republicans are manly men. Of course once you open the door to questioning judgment, Democrats might look a little better. But that's not Hugh Hewitt's point; his point is that there's the Republican (or stupid) way of fighting the war on terror, and then there's the Democrat way.

But what really gets me excited is the idea that Republicans are willing to purge from their ranks those who do not suppor the Bush/Cheney way of fighting this war.

I think most Republican senators up for re-election in 2008 who are seen by GOP voters to side with Harry Reid on the war will be swept away by Democratic challengers powered by fierce grassroots organizations even as they are deserted by Republican activists for whom resolve in the war is a non-negotiable priority. These races won’t even be close. The divide between the parties on the war is deep, and the base of the GOP simply will not turn out for, much less work for, round-heeled Republicans.

Parties matter, and the Republican party will purge the defeatists from its ranks, even if it means a horrible cycle or two. Clarity on this issue matters more than a couple of more votes in the Senate.

This sounds pretty good from my perspective; move the Republican party more out of line with the American people? Go for it.