There are a ton of reasons why I think that Rudy will represent the Republicans in November of 2008. But, that guess is something that almost anyone could make.

However, the question that the press has been struggling with is, "Will Rudy's social positions hurt him?" Or, "Why have they not hurt him yet?"

Well, I think I have an answer to that question.

In his many books, Lakoff talks about the differences between progressives and conservatives. One of the big points of importance is the differences between family structure.

The core part of this is that for most conservatives, a strong Father figure is the only acceptable family structure.

We see this in many aspects of the Bush Administration. Whether it is signing statements, Cheney's energy meetings or "emboldening the enemy" the theme of the Bush Administration is that the President should hold all the power.

Even now, while 3/4 of the country is disgusted with George Bush, he has almost complete support amongst Republican Primary voters. Why? Because he is the President. For these core Republicans, you dont ask the President how high when he tells you to jump. You simply continue to jump as high as possible until he tells you to stop.

But, what does all of this have to do with Rudy? Throughout Rudy's career and even within his social positions there is one common theme. Control and Power.

Rudy ruled New York City with an iron fist. Most of us know that. However, even in his supposedly liberal social positions there remains the same constant. Rudy supports gun control. He does not bother talking about things such as gun safes and trigger locks. No. He talks about registration and databases.

We're not gonna let you.

On every issue Rudy believes in control. He absolutely believes in a strong executive branch. He is a former mayor. A mayor who grabbed almost absolute control over the largest city in the country.

That is why Rudy's social positions dont matter to the base. That is why conservatives will continue to volunteer no matter who is nominated. Because this isnt about principled stands on very specific issues. This is about an absolute belief in a strong executive. In the continuation of things such as the Patriot Act. Rudy will only lose the nomination if he starts to talk about personal liberties in the wrong area. So long as he talks about civil liberties only in a very abstract way, while believing in an authoritarian right wing system of government, Rudy has nothing to worry about.

Those of us who believe in things like the constitution...well...be afraid. Be very afraid.