Seems to be a very short-sighted question in many respects, Bob. But I know you know that.
The economy was going into the tank at that time.
The country was at war with various factions that we could not envision taking care of on our terms.
Conservatives were realizing we were in the shitter and were behind bailouts for banks and major U.S. corporations to make sure the country didn't collapse while their President was in charge. The initial bailouts occurred under pre-democratic leadership.
We are now just learning about how involved the new proposed "conservative" leaders have worked the system in the past and have tried to gloss over their roles in making what conservatives argue about happen.
Are we better off now? Probably not. Would a conservative like Bush, Romney, Gingrich or Santorum made a real difference? I honestly don't see how - it's very much a continuation in many respects. Maybe somewhat... But there can be no mistake for a rationale person that under Bush, we were headed for EXACTLY what happened... because it DID happen as a result of his actions.
Go ahead and attack me. I'm trying to figure out someone to support to really change something. I'm not happy with Obama, either. At all. And I know that Ron Paul is ridiculous on some issues, so there's that. The sad thing is - we can't ever have a real candidate for President at this point, because nobody can ever stand up for what they really believe in - because nobody in the country can agree on what is best for the country.
Would Ron Paul have made a difference? I think he would have. But I'm not sure it would have in a real, safe, secure way for our country. I watched Jesse Ventura run roughshod over the establishment here in Minnesota - it was great fun in many respects - but for those with a pulse we knew he was ridiculous. He did some good, some bad - but was not someone I could ask to represent me and my values. And so it goes...