Instead of complaining about Bush, McCain, the RCC, the RNC, etc. (and I know, I’ve done my share), why don’t we actually DO something about it? Why don’t movement conservatives get organised and take back the party?
No, the problem is republicans in general. They abandoned Bush on the war when the going got tough. They have virtually disappeared from the public scene since then. In an effort to shield themselves from negative feedback associated with the war they became democrats on the spending side of the equation. Bush bears a lot of blame as well since he didn't demonstrate a lot of competence in handling the aftermath of Katrina nor was he able to defend at all against the relentless MSM attacks. I'm sure that was on the mind of Mississippi voters.
And then republicans chose McCain as our standard bearer which closed shut the wallets of guys like me who in the past opened those wallets come election time.
I'll probably vote for McCain come November but my wallet will stay closed. Republicans will wander the desert for another 40 years or so, much past the time where I'll be able to open an eye no less my wallet.