To hear them talk, you'd think it was the party elites who put Reagan in office. Who were the impetus behind the Contract for America that resulted in the Class of '94. Who started the petitions that got Gray Davis tossed out on his ear. Who stormed the offices where the recounts were ongoing during the election of 2000, fer cryin out loud.
They always seem to be on hand to cash in the the base's sweat equity though.
Given all that you'd think they'd have the good grace to accept responsiblity for their own f*** ups. But no, they blame - guess who?