With all due respect...long-view context is all well and good as far as it goes. But when you wander so far from the actual text that what it really says ceases to matter, and essentially put huge amounts of stock in quotes from Larry Sabato of all people, I have to wonder about your agenda.
However, I will give you extra credit points for an eloquent and reasonable sounding defense.
That said, you didn't make your case in the face of the facts.
I spoke more to tone, not text. Instead of cringing and wincing, these weak sisters might try standing up for an ally, for a change.
Or, even, having a regular spot on their masthead for someone Not Our Kind, Deah. After thirty-odd years, it wouldn't kill 'em.
At least there's Human Events, Frontpagemag, etc.--but it galls me that erstwhile longtime conservative publications never notice on which side their political bread is buttered on--until they need someone to blame for going hungry. I guess you didn't catch the CATO last week.