Yes, but what type of conservatism?

I tend to agree that the Republican train jumped the rails when it came to the traditional conservative values of less spending, smaller government, fewer regulations. However, the public willingly and knowingly embraced Obama's unapologetic belief that government can solve problems and improve people's lives (with all the spending increases that implies.) Wouldn't McCain's "conservative-lite" have been more appealing to these disaffected conservatives than Obama's decidedly non-conservative position?

Also, looking at the results from many of the statewide ballot measures and the positive response among some Republicans to the Palin pick, it appears as if value-based conservatism is going strong while fiscally-based conservatism is becoming a faint memory. And trust me--I don't think that's a good thing. I would much rather be having the traditional conservative v. liberal discussion. That way, the middle ground becomes moderate spending and moderate government intervention. There is no middle ground when it comes to hot button neo-con issues.