I’m not buying the premise. Buckwheat’s win can be explained in two words: Voter fraud.
Republicans and conservatives have huge majorities in states. In 2010, republicans completely controlled 25 states. In 2012, that number grew to 30 states. In state-wide races, rats are being thrown out of office all across the country. Rats have lost 700 state legislative seats since 2008. The propaganda press wasn’t effective in the states.
Sure Republicans won in 2010. But that was only because the Dems did not vote.
See this link for the sad reality of American politics:
http://www.people-press.org/2012/06/01/trend-in-party-identification-1939-2012/
There was only 1 point since 1939 that Republicans have outnumbered Democrats among surveys of adults (note: not voters or likely voters)
Until we admit that we have a huge cultural relevance problem, we will continue to lose.