"John Cairns" wrote

With the blessing of just about every Republican in the US. ......

This is simply not true. I helped in Nixon's campaign and most Republicans
and cross-over voters hoped and expected him to get us out of "LBJ's War"
ASAP. Most turned on him when he failed to do so.

Bush supporters can't see the irony here. But you are right about one
thing,
a true conservative like Goldwater would never approve of the military
adventurism or fiscal irresponsibility that the Bush neocons so heartily
approve of.

True, but that cost Goldwater the election. When asked about 'nam,
Goldwater *honestly* replied that, as senator, he lacked all of the facts
needed to make a firm decision "but I'll tell you one thing - I'll either
get out or go in and win". LBJ seizd on that, branded Goldwater a warmonger
and vowed "I'll never send your sons to die in Vietnam!" Lies have trumped
honesty ever since.