Actually it’s the opposite of Romney. Romney already had the GOP-e locked up, so he pretended to be “severely conservative” to attract enough conservatives to win. Sounds like Paul is doing just the opposite, showing the GOP-e that he can be a “team player” while keeping the Paulistas on board.
Your memory must be mistaken. Romney never reached out to conservatives. Not even lip service. He counted on independents, moderates and RINO’s.
Why do you think millions of conservatives stayed home?
Because he NEVER reached out to conservatives.
And that is why millions stayed home.