The 25 Most Influential Conservatives

John Hawkins published his own list of powerful conservatives who are front and center in getting the conservative message out. While the Telegraph listed Rudy Giuliani as #1, Hawkins did not even include him as most Conservatives don't think of Rudy as conservative at all. More on that in a sec.

I can't disagree with Hawkins in many respects except for three--not including Laura Ingraham, not including Giuliani and including John McCain.

First Laura Ingraham: Ingraham has ignited a passion in conservative women that has not been seen in a while. She connects with her listeners with an eclectic blend of topics and bumper music that was heretofore unheard. I've heard her talk about Bob Dylan in one segment and somehow segue into abortion the next. She has signed on to host a Fox News show and has a book that is a best seller. Her influence on the conservative movement cannot be neglected as she injects humor and intelligence into the debate.

Giuliani: Rudy is a rare breed, he is socially centrist (some would say liberal) yet is a fiscal conservative and a hawk to boot. He may have secured the presidency by his actions on September 11th and by his subsequent snubbing of the Saudis when they offered him a $10-million check. The Republican has failed in recent years to note that they grew because of 9/11. Many centrists or so-called "Reagan Democrats" left the party in the Clinton years and returned after that fateful day. Look around the blogosphere, Charles Johnson has become a player in conservative circles although he is not one, the same can be said of Glenn Reynolds and even people like Allah at Hot Air. These are people who the party needs to win, they are socially in the middle but understand completely the danger we face to our national security from Islamic radicals. There are many in the party who are hardcore conservatives on fiscal and security issues but feel that social issues just aren't that important in the current crises we are facing and infact, hurt the movement overall. Giuliani's stand on immigration, national security and the Iran make him more conservative than the President who is number one on Hawkins list.

And finally McCain: John McCain is good on some issues dear to conservatives but his power was drained during the immigration battle. His plan in concert with leading liberal Democrats usurped the power he had earned through the years. I know it seems harsh to base this all on one single issue but no issue in recent memory split the GOP/Conservatives more than illegal immigration. McCain was the face of the amnesty crowd and therefore lost his standing and power in the eyes of many conservatives. For the same reason, the President should be number three or four on the list.

Overall Hawkins list is sound yet I would have placed Rush Limbaugh at the top with Bush number three but why quibble?