[Dr. Sivana]

The “Republican Establishment” is just another name for a liberal group who won’t admit to themselves that they are liberals.

Republicans have not been historically shy of the liberal label. Only 50 years ago, liberal Nelson Rockefeller was a popular leader in the party. Later still PA Senator John Heinz was liberal enough to marry Teresa (and HE was the one with the dough in those days, though she might have been more presentable). Lowell Weicker was liberal enough that Joe Lieberman easily ran to his right at least on foreign policy. Bob Dole was considered Right wing balancing for Gerald Ford on the '76 ticket after conservatives made a good show of strength with Reagan. It was Reagan who started the formal fight to give the conservatives a seat at the head of the Republican table. The fight remains unfinished.

[DuncanWaring]

It was Reagan who started the formal fight to give the conservatives a seat at the head of the Republican table.

I think that was actually Barry Goldwater.