Conservatives are not doomed.
We have temporarily worn out our welcome among the voters as the last election shows but this is not uncommon in American political history. Because of this there is ZERO chance of a hard line conservative being elected president. However, it would be possible and a good thing to get one in as VP (this should be what Hunter is really shooting for) and have a holding action with some one like Rudy who will do many of the things (including the most important) conservatives think necessary though not all.
Two steps forward, one step back has to be the long term political strategy for conservatives. We will not be able to have victory after victory with such a fickle and frivolous electorate. At best 1/3 of the voters are conservative and the rest must be attracted to a ticket.
Good post!