The reason a conservative can be elected is because conservatism works. If we don't really believe that, why are we here on FR?
reagan was elected in a different america.
and let's face it, he also had better policies. he had an economic agenda - what do we offer? more free trade? guest worker programs to suppress wages? there is a disconnect between the macro economic numbers, and what alot of americans see in their own "micro economy" - their jobs, wages, pensions, etc.