Dick Morris: Not the time to triangulate

Dick Morris was on Hannity last night and made the case that when the biggest issue to voters is deficits and fiscal issues, being on the "far right" is not a detriment like it can be with other issues. On the contrary, being a right wing conservative can be a benefit even in the context of a general election. Why? Because if voters are looking for someone who will cut spending and reduce the size and scope of government, and all of the candidates are promising to do so, voters know that only the conservative candidate is being sincere. When it comes to spending and deficits, he says "it's not about left vs. right, it's about sincerity vs. insincerity".

Say what you want about "Mr. Dickmorris.com", but occasionally he arrives at some very interesting insights, and I think this is one of those times.

[Update]

Here is the link to Dick Morris's column on the subject, and here is the part worth reading:

When social issues like abortion, gays, and guns dominate the political discourse, moderates have a big advantage. Voters in these times tend to measure themselves on a left to right spectrum and find those flanked sharply to their right to be extremist on these issues and reject their candidacies.

But these days, social issues are in remission and economic/fiscal problems have, understandably, taken center stage. In this environment, purists of the right have a big advantage because nobody doubts the sincerity with which they embrace the goals of limited government, low taxes, and reduced spending. Politicians of all stripes – including most Democrats – vow allegiance to them as does the overwhelming majority of the electorate. In this environment, the distinctions of left and right give way to the difference between sincerity and insincerity, leaving the voters to judge. With candidates like Sharron Angle in Nevada or Christine O’Donnell in Delaware or DioGuardia in New York, voters don’t have to guess. They know real conservatives when they see them.

Also, this is where the nickname "Mr. Dickmorris.com" came from.