I’m not in disagreement over the fact that the GOP is splintered. The outcome of that split is the important part. If you are of the opinion that Obama must be defeated this year, then a split is self defeating.
An internecine battle will hamper the Republican candidate no matter who it is. No matter how strong the Tea Party thinks they are, they are not, at this time, strong enough to take over the party and force it to change directions.
The struggle for the hart and soul of the GOP will be long, hard and bloody. The ruling elite will not go quietly.
That's because it is not really a political party but a disorganized group of pissed off REAL AMERICANS.
If the mormon bishop and the RNC elite succeed in buying the GOP nomination, then the Tea Party fields a candidate for POTUS, and becomes a real political party dedicated to the destruction of the Washingtonians.