In 1996 the GOP had the election in the bag because of Clinton being Clinton with all of his defects of character and liberal policies. What does the GOP do? Give the nomination to, as a favor because of his great service to the country, Bob Dole. Bob Dole is a wonderful patriot and loyal American but, at the time, he was not presidential material. Recall, Clinton needed Perot and STILL didn't get 50% of the vote.
Lamar Alexander was the next GOP candidate in line and would've won the election. Guess Lamar was too close to the people's way of thinking.
Lamar is liberal...no conservative.