There are a few problems with the R party.
1. Many are utter cowardards and terrified of saying or doing anything that will be sneered at by the MSM or Dems
2. Many as socialists-lite themselves
3. Some or many no doubt have skeletons in closet so can be blackmailed or threatened
4. Many are just a slightly different version of power hungry thugs but talk a better game
5. Few have real solid Constitutionally conservative principles and values, just professional politicians who say sort of what people want to hear so they can keep being professionals
The handful who are none of the above can’t do much against the majority.
IMO reason Ronald Reagan was successful in elections is because he never sounded angry or extreme. He was able to implement many conservative principles because of that personality and still remain popular. So never overlook the hard fact that one must get elected first in order to implement agenda. Losers in elections, no matter how pure have no power to change anything.
But the electorate of 2016 is much different than 1980-1984 era. Demographics have changed. Even those in center and right of center have changed on many social issues. If GOP nominee is going to win against Hillary or whoever, will need many crossover votes. My heart says Palin, Cruz or Lee.
My head is still not sure. Still long ways away. Anything can happen and it will.