Mitt however did move to the right from his 08 campaign. Just not as far right as his rivals were. I think that's the difference.
Again, Rush's intent in 08 was to keep McCain from the nomination much as he attempted to do in 00 when McCain was the major challenger to Bush II.
I don't think Mitt was at the time the 3 legged conservative Rush painted him as in 08. I do think he moved a bit more to the right in 12. But I think he probably better fit the establishment criteria more than he fit being a true 3 legged conservative in 08. It was the establishment felt more comfortable with McCain in 08.
And Mitt's religion made many uncomfortable in 08. Having been exposed to it, it was less a factor in 12. Although it still bothered some evangelicals.
Again it was Rush, not me, that painted Mitt as the true conservative by meeting the 3 legs of the conservative stool in 08. And he only did that to try to stop McCain. Problem was his puffery in 08 sort of set up Mitt as the standard bearer in 12 and Rush wanted Newt or Santorum more in 12 so he attempted to paint over the portrait he made in 08.
I think Rush is a major factor....and in fact had a part in the show for several years....and have listened since the very first week he was on air nationally. But I think you’re way over estimating his impact on this history.
Romney was closer to Reagan in his 08 CPAC speech (right after dropping out) than at any other moment in his life. That speech was pure Reagan, pure free market, pure freedom. He was NEVER that man again, regardless of some cynical flipping and flopping and his stupid “severely conservative” remark - which was not true.