This poll represents a very interesting trend. It would appear to signify a major shift in the prevailing ideological winds of the American Right. It eerily echoes the concerns heard on the left during the 2004 Primary, where in candidates perceived as "Radical" (Howard Dean) were eventually pushed to the back, while John Kerry was eventually nominated because people thought "he could beat Bush."

They myth of the middle was a strategy Republicans exploited for years, frightening Democrats out of taking a stand by demanding moderation. The truth is elections are governed by passion. (Perhaps this is why so few Senators win the Presidency.) A candidate who stands up passionately for what their party believes will win. When they pick a candidate with the other party in mind, how can they expect to generate the kind of energy that they need to win? By picking a candidate who they don't agree with just because they think Democrats will vote for them, the Republicans have already lost.