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The RNC and state level GOP operations act like they do for valid reasons. Consultants are relied on by political party operations in order to avoid bloating up permanent staff, many of whom would then sit idle on the payroll between elections. And the reason that party operations often require that "their consultants" be used is that their track record is known and they are considered reliable and effective.

To make things work properly though requires that elected GOP officials, party leaders, and their top staff make hard assessments and decisions based on performance. And that requires pressure and support from the top. Otherwise, the entire system of consultants becomes a racket of sorts that profitably entrenches loyalists at the expense of performance. And that seems to be what has happened with the RNC.

For outside observers of the RNC, I suggest three lines of inquiry. First, did the RNC and related party operations produce good results? Second, was the money raised and spent in an effective manner? And Third, do those party operations convey a sense of professional skill, a focus on and a determination to win, and a willingness to do close political combat with the Democrats?

On all three points, the RNC under McDaniel seems weak. Whatever her merits are and whatever excuses and reasons there may be for the poor results in 2022, like a losing college football coach, she ought to go and new leadership should be given a chance.