Social conservatives are not providing most of the votes or platform issues, conservatives are. There’s a place for social conservativism in the primary and general. Out in front isn’t necessary, or probably even wise.
If the party needs a total disaster to finally liberate itself from the ideas that Santorum represents, so be it. I am prepared to accept the consequences.
What do you mean by 'liberate itself from the ideas that Santorum represents'? What ideas should we be liberated from?