[alicewonders]

A more serious question is why, over the intervening 18 years since Reagan left office, hasn't conservatism produced one viable candidate for national office?

I think it's partly because the lamestream media has become RABIDLY anti-conservative and will never allow another great conservative like Reagan to achieve national prominence.

You know, if you don't have your principles intact anymore & it's just "win at any cost" - then you still lose at the end of the day. Some of us aren't willing to go down so quietly.

[My2Cents]

I think conservativism needs a bit of rejuvenation itself. I've seen more than one Freeper in recent days simply post "God, guns, and gays!" on numerous threads as a way of articulating conservative ideals. If conservatism can be reduced to three words, we're sorely in need of a new infusion of ideas and vision.

I would disagree with you on one point -- Reagan didn't have the press on his side when he ran, either time. An articulate, attractive, positive conservative of national stature can speak over the press and connect with the American people. But who are the truly national conservative leaders? I can't think of any. Again, I think we've done a horrible job grooming new leadership.