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Republicans got a bad name when they became linked with upper and middle class country-club business interests. This earned them the label as the heartless party of corporate America. Conservatives got a bad name when they became linked with the theocratic set who wanted to legislate their values on everyone. The libertarians got a bad name when they went too far out on no taxation and freedom to proliferate drugs.

If I recall correctly, Reagan believed in small and localized government, lower taxes, lower government spending, the protection of individual rights, protecting the integrity of private property ownership and following the Constitution. It was a winning formula. Why, oh why, can't we learn to stick to the formula and not go down these rabbit holes? As far as I can see Glenn Beck's popularity is because he largely sticks to the formula.

Although I personally do not care for Ron Paul, it seems he won the “conservative” straw pole. Perhaps because that “individual liberty” part of the formula is so sadly lacking in other conservative brands.

the “CPAC” straw pole.

approx 10,000 attended.
2,400 voted.
48% attending were College students

No wonder Paul won. since most voting were looking for their leader for Peter Pan

Although I personally do not care for Ron Paul, it seems he won the “conservative” straw pole. Perhaps because that “individual liberty” part of the formula is so sadly lacking in other conservative brands.

I think that Ron Paul, Glenn Beck, and other Libertarians appeal to be people who would rather have too much freedom than not enough. When the alternative is the GOP being run by RINOs and moderates in its current form, the Libertarians look pretty darn good. If you have a choice between too much freedom as opposed to what the current GOP is, it's not much of a choice.