I may be wrong, but I don't see it that way. It seems to me that the Republican Party, the quiet majority, rose up as one and made our voices heard very loudly. We unearthed the Rinos in our party and infuenced others. I think we are stronger than we were before all this. We are paying closer attention.
I think you're right. Not only has the Republican base found their voice but I believe they will eventually coalesce around Thompson as a candidate and be united going into the election. I can't remember the last time I had more "moderate" friends, even Democrats, unite for a political goal, killing this traitorous legislation. We have an opportunity to use this issue to bring the moderate Independents and "Reagan Democrats" along with us in support of a conservative Republican Presidential candidate.
You may be right, for yes we did have an influence, but, shuld we have had to?