Will They Believe Romney?

Some social conservatives in the important primary state of South Carolina are expressing skepticism about Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney after reports of statements from the Massachusetts governor that were pro-choice, in favor of expansive gay rights, and dismissive of Ronald Reagan.

For some, the concern stems not from any single, disqualifying position, but rather a combination of statements from Romney's political career. "When it becomes a pattern, that's what causes people to be fearful," says Oran Smith, head of the pro-life Palmetto Family Council, who has not committed to any candidate in the race. "The Reagan thing, the abortion thing, the gay thing - if you mix all of that together, is there a pattern?"

Byron York

Byron is just illustrating what everyone who isn't a GOP cheerleader already knows: Social conservatives (and libertarians) can't be bullied into voting for political pragmatism any more with faux external threats or the shell game of "compassionate conservatism." Without those two essential components of their coalition, the GOP cannot possibly win any election of importance.

If either Romney or Giuliani is the GOP nominee, The Beast in Pants Suits will walk right into the Oval Office with hardly even a fight. Write it down.