In terms of raw communicative ability, Fred had it and still does. He’s the only one I could think of that could carry the Reagan message in the way that Reagan did, which in itself was key.
It is too bad Watts left politics. With proper support, he could have gone far. Obviously he was too conservative for today’s GOP.
That is totally the fault and totally the failure of the RNC.
I will hand this to the democraps, they know enough to attack the future. They'll let McLame and the like win election forever. But when there is someone new and young appearing to rise up, they will attack unmercifully. They did that with Watts and with Rick Santorum. And the RNC did nothing to defend them, so we lost both of them in Congress.
Until the RNC is willing to toss some of the worthless old Rinos over the side and begin defending the young strong conservatives, I fear there's not much future for the Republican party.