That’s because for quite a while until a few years ago, conservatives to some degree, but especially Republicans, sensed that time was on their side — that all they needed to do was cool it, not make waves, not appear weak (division betraying weakness), and run out the clock to win. You can see it in the very name of the magazine “The Standard”. Plus, as the nation’s avg. population aged, especially among citizens, they had less reason to pay att’n to the young.

The GOP has long been a tough nut to crack, there being a great sense of entitlement, waiting their turn (Wonder when Jeb’s will be?), and mutual admiration society within. But it’s when they smell victory that they’re the hardest of all.