Just what did the talking points of that courtship entail? It could have been Goldwater in ‘79 and he would have won.
I don't know the details, but there was probably less talk about 'purity' than one tends to read on the threads around here.
From a 'development of social movements' point of view, I understand totally what's going on. 2nd generation followers often want to 'purge' the movements from undersirable elements they believe have prevented the 'full establishment' of the original intent.
History is repleat with examples - Martin Luther never wanted to start a 'new church,' he only wanted to reform the exsisting church.
But after his death, the reformers saw no way to go forward without breaking away from the 'Mother Church.'
In a similar way, I understand MANY of the concerns conservatives have in 'compromises' other conservatives have had to make. They see it as the proverbial 'Camel under the tent' in many cases, and fear the LIBs will use minor changes in policy/laws to push forward with they're agenda.
I tend to be a little less fearful, and willing to compromise - guess that makes me a liberal ...