Historically speaking republicans move to the right and democrats move to the left to seek the nomination.

After candidates get the nomination, they swing to the middle. The country tends to be more moderate than conservative or liberal. So, they try to reach across the table. To be elected, they need votes from beyond their solid base.

I don't see democrats anticipating that they'll have to lean very far. They've deluded themselves into believing that stopping illegal immigration isn't very important to democrats. Or, they have a feeling for many Americans, health care is going to rule the day. And, that their party will tolerate just about anything if they can get decent health care for free or at an affordable price.

As for republicans, and it's seems fairly obvious I'll be supporting a republican, I'm beginning to wonder what the republican candidate is going to water down in an attempt to get to the white house.

Huckabee would be a frightening prospect under that scenario. Huckabee is already so moderate on topics like immigration, his temporarily tough stance could easily fade as he markets his brand of compassionate conservatism.

But, what about the other candidates? Both he and Romney (Guiliani & McCain aren't even worth mentioning) have already suggested mass deportations are impractical. Is that the beginning of an olive branch. They both say, illegal immigrants have to go home to apply for citizenship. But, the water gets a bit muddy after that.

Romney has taken a much tougher stance lately and definitely seems more aggressive than Huckabee at the moment. But, I still would prefer a "true believer" in Legal Immigration.

Question: Can a true believer (with our current crop of violin string pulling voting Americans) be elected?

If yes, clearly no problems. If no (scary thought), is there any democrat that we would cry "less" under.

Another poster mentioned that Democrats may be looking at a win/win if McCain gets the nomination. We know what will happen with illegal immigration.

What's our win/win?