So, who represents the true identity of the Republican Party: the moderates who populate the prime time speaking roles at the convention this week, or the “conservative core” that Democrats allege the GOP is trying to keep hidden behind the curtain?

I say it’s the former, not the latter, and you need only look at the top of the ticket to prove it. You don’t have to look far to find conservative complaints about President Bush’s big government philosophy. And as for social issues, Bush 43 treats them more like a mild annoyance than a hill to die on, and he always has. He has done just enough to keep pro-lifers aligned in his camp, and has always been a big tent builder.

This week’s speakers accurately represent this Republican Party as presently constituted and led by this president. They are, at a minimum, as much a part of the “base” as social conservatives.