Though I’ve been an avid reader of Redstate for over a year now, I’ve never registered or posted until now. I’ve hesitated because, although I am a Republican, I’m a moderate. (Some of you might even call me a “squish”). Like Ms. McCain, I’m also young, just 23, and am still getting a sense of where I stand on many political issues. But as a young college-educated woman, I can say that I, along with many of my female Republican friends, don’t know if we are welcome in the GOP.

For instance, we don’t care much for Ms. Coulter or Mr. Limbaugh. I’ve not voiced an opinion on Redstate about them because it seems those who criticize them get attacked. But I wanted to post this because, as a young person, I am worried about the future of the Republican party. I don’t see young people flocking to the GOP. Nor do I see many women under 30 supporting the Republican party. My university once had a thriving young Republicans club. Now it is virtually dead.

I’m not saying Mr. Limbaugh or Ms. Coulter are totally to blame for what I perceive to be a shunning of the Republican party by younger voters. But their style, and at times, even the content of their rhetoric do offend those of us who might otherwise be more supportive of the Republican party. Some of us, like Liandro who posted comments on this thread, ask legitimate questions about conservative spokespeople like Ms. Coulter. Does she help or hurt the GOP? I would argue that her use of words like “camel jockey” to describe Muslims or her calling widows of 911 “harpies” or saying that Jews need to be “perfected” do much harm to conservatives because they alienate more people than they persuade. Ms. Coulter certainly raises legitimate points. But her delivery is so abrasive that she pushes people like me and many other young Republican voters away. Sure, her words may cheer those at Redstate because she give voice to your anger. I get that. But you are already converted and she is preaching to the choir. The GOP can’t win with a shrinking but loud chorus. It must attract more voters, especially young voters, to prosper.

I’m actually thinking about leaving the GOP because I don’t feel the party tolerates people like me who endorse many of the principles of the Republican party but are more moderate on some social issues (like gay marriage, abortion, environment, stem cell research, social programs). Nor do I feel comfortable with the tone of many conservative Republicans. Many of the posts at Redstate come across to me (someone who is open to Republican ideas) as mean-spirited. For instance, instead of engaging in a substantive discussion about Ms. McCain’s article, posters here hurl pejoratives at her like “fool” and “poor little rich girl.” You can disagree with Ms. McCain without being disagreeable. And you can certainly take issue with her opinions. But instead of name calling why not detail — in an erudite and elegant way that would make Mr. William F. Buckley proud — why you disagree with her? Calling her a “poor little rich girl” explains nothing.

If Mr. Limbaugh, Ms. Coulter, and some Redstate posters offend me, again someone who is OPEN to the GOP, then how does the party intend to attract moderates and independents? Redstaters may love these shock jocks but you are a minority of voters. There are many in the middle who you could win over. But we are fleeing the party because we are more moderate and are offended by the abrasiveness of the most vocal of conservatives. We are called “squishes”, “RINOs,” and “unprincipled.” If we question Mr. Limbaugh or Ms. Coulter, or raise doubts about Governor Palin, we are blasted. But if Redstaters and other Republicans keep pushing people like me and other moderates who generally support the GOP away, how do you intend to win over enough voters to win the next election?

So go ahead, bash me. Hurl insults. Call me names. I’m just a young woman who would like to remain in the Republican party. I just don’t feel very welcome.

in my response to Achance. I wrote:

“For instance, I have opposed all the bailouts. I support school vouchers. I dislike earmarks. And I oppose affirmative action. But I am also pro-choice, am fine with gay marriage, opposed the war in Iraq, and believe health care is a right.”

So, no, I am not against “every Republican position.” I support some GOP positions and oppose others. I, like Nancy Reagan, support stem cell research. But like Mr. Limbaugh oppose the stimulus package. I, like Bristol Palin, believe abstinence only education is ineffective. But like many at Redstate oppose publicly funding abortions (I am pro-choice but don’t believe tax payer money should be used to fund abortions).

BTW, I didn’t receive 16+ years of liberal indoctrination. I went to a private Catholic high school.

I would disagree with what you wrote that “we do it respectfully” in terms of debate here. I posted my very first post and was immediately called “ignorant” and told I wasn’t welcome. That’s not exactly respectful.

Maybe the word “empower” is a female thing. My female friends and I use it all the time. We mean it to be “encourage” and “inspire.” Though I was not alive when Ronald Reagan was President, I’m sure he inspired. That is what I meant by “empower.”

And since I’m new here I don’t know all the terminology. What is a moby? Never heard that word before. For people my age, Moby is a singer.