“The GOPe would have a problem with Reagan.”
The GOPe *did* have a problem with Reagan. They chose to lose to Bozo the Peanut Farmer in 1976 rather than give him the nomination. I’m still not sure how he got the nomination in 1980, but it sure wasn’t because the GOPe wanted him.
By doing what he did best. Reagan bypassed the GOP and went DIRECTLY to the American People and talked to them in plain English about liberty vs. tyranny, keeping your money vs. sending it to distant bureaucrats, and giving America back to the American People.
Like Palin, Reagan had a bipartisan message of freedom from government coercion and regulations that resonated with the people.