“Over the last half-century, they have been vital to the conservative movement’s success–and to liberalism’s demise.”
Demise? THAT issue is still in doubt. We are in an ideological Stalingrad right now. There are many things I am willing to call the left, but finished is not one of them just yet.
For perspective on your thought, one need only remember that not one republican, or conservative for that matter won a state wide race in California. They continue to vote for the destruction of Detroit and we see others where the parasites have taken control of areas for good. Finished? Hardly.