That final CPAC straw poll, and Sunday items

Romney beat McCain in the CPAC straw poll. 25% of the straw poll votes were cast before Romney quit; clearly the conservatives are sending McCain a signal that they will insist that he abide by conservative principles.

This should come as no surprise to anyone.

What I find more interesting is that

Thirty-one percent said that if John McCain were the GOP presidential nominee, they would either vote for someone else, or not vote at all.

If you have been watching the number of registered voters participating in the primaries and caucus (caucuses, caucii?), Democrats have had much bigger participation than Republicans.

Will the Republicans who are not conservative activists (as is most of the CPAC crowd), and the middle-of-the-road swing voters not show up in November?

That is McCain's real challenge.

Ed's final thoughts also highlight the importance of the broadest possible conservative agenda in the upcoming campaign.
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This week's WSJ's 5 best books on the hope and turmoil of the post-Civil War period, chosen by Stephen Budiansky:




In other book matters, Amazon has launched the Kindle. If any of my readers have used/purchased one, I'd like to hear what you have to say, so please leave a comment.

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This week's shoes: Frye's Kat, It comes in brown, black, or yellow.

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Pat's Carnival of the Insanities is up.