They blame social conservatives first, because they aren't (they aren't blaming themselves, notice that?), and second, because they, as leaders, are accustomed to having their followers do "what they are told." In this case, doing what they are enticed to do, which is "vote against the DEMs."
The theme is that social conservatism is a lost cause in the political field, so don't expect any political party to champion social conservative issues. Especially don't expect the GOP to champion them. In effect, they are saying that the championing of social conservative issues loses elections; and therefore, those who expect the championing of social conservative issues are losers.
I've got a big "L" tattooed on my forehead. The GOP can kiss my butt.
Social Conservative issues are fine to champion, as long as they don’t contradict conservatism and American values, such as individual liberty, etc.
And it’s sad that social conservatives have tried to push politics before winning hearts and minds. If hearts and minds are won, then the political wins follow. Pushing politics just turns off people.