Elephantitis of the GOP

I finally watched the second GOP presidential debate via MSNBC.com. This round was a bit spicier, with Rudy G. getting stern on 9/11 with loose cannon Ron Paul. McCain looked Presidential, Romney looked creepily polished, and Huckabee generally made a great deal of sense, but lacks the Presidential aura. (Does "Presidential aura" sound like an invented qualification? Consider that the last time we ignored it, America got Jimmy Carter).

The best one-liner of the night came from Tom Tancredo: "I trust in conversions on the road to Damascus, not conversions on the road to Des Moines" (in reference to Mitt Romney's newfound affection for conservative principles).

I'm still not committed to any candidate, though I do see 1-2 I could potentially get behind. But no one stands out at this point, and I am definitely not comfortable with front runner Giuliani as the Republican candidate. (This reminds me: I still have to comment on Newt Gingrich as a potential GOP candidate).

All this begs the question: Could 2008 be the year when a viable Independent ticket actually competes for the Presidency? We are probably years away from a successful Independent ticket of any stripe. But a political sea change is in the works, with traditional and social conservatives potentially exiled from a Republican party dominated by libertarians.

If Hillary wins the Dems' nomination, and pro-choice, establishment Republican Giuliani grabs the Republican nomination, who would you choose? Is there an Independent ticket you would support, and if so, who?

-BC