Although most presidential races are described in terms of liberals vs. conservatives with moderates/independents in the middle. This year there is an interesting twist: conservatives who have grown impatient and uncomfortable with the Bush administration's policies. They don't approve of his budgets or his invasion of Iraq.

In the Mercury News, Pete McCloskey, a lifelong Republican, writes:

The primary issue in November will be who can best lead us in the bitter struggle against the Islamic fundamentalists who perpetrated 9/11 and are willing to die to kill Americans throughout the world. The Iraq occupation has caused thousands of new suicide bombers to join the jihad against us; with Kerry as president, the nation will properly refocus the battle away from Iraq and against the true enemy, Al-Qaida.

As Kerry has stated, we desperately need the cooperation of every country in the world, friend and enemy, where terrorist cells can germinate and operate. We need to be more humble in asking for this assistance. A return to the ``speak softly but carry a big stick'' philosophy of Teddy Roosevelt should be far more effective than the bluster, bravado and ``shock and awe'' firepower of the neocon advisers who have commandeered White House foreign policy.

Just because a person is a Democrat and adheres to progressive social policies doesn't mean that they don't or can't also hold many conservative values. Just because a person is a Republican and holds conservative values doesn't mean that they can't also vote in a way that supports liberal or progressive policies. It will be interesting to see just how many traditional Republicans decide to support Kerry this year.

Read More:

• 2004 Elections
• Election Polls
• George W. Bush
• John Kerry
• War on Terrorism