To elaborate further. . .the core values of the party is what establishes the “tent.” For example, the conservative values the Reagan espoused built a strong platform. People then came to that platform and under that tent because it was something to believe in and it won them over. But if you build a tent to try to extend it to cover people who are standing around and standing for nothing, then you are doomed.
I agree with you. But what are they? As I mentioned in my original post, there are many ideas floating about 'conservatism'. They maybe conflicting with each others.