Often left out from all of this analysis is the changing DEMOGRAPHICS of the American population and electorate. Fact is the Dems have won the popular vote in five of the last six presidential elections.
In 2012 MR won nearly 60% of the white vote, BHO won only about 39% of the white vote. If demographics factors had not changed so dramatically over the last several decades, MR’s share of the white vote alone would have been more than enough to guarantee him a Reagan or Nixon-like landslide victory.
James Carville famously stated it’s the economy, stupid. While the economy is still a major factor, one could now argue it’s the demographics, stupid.
Whoever wins the GOP nominates in 2016, fact remains the Dems have certain built in structural advantages, which allow them to dominate nearly all of the big states, except Texas. And given changing demographic factors in Texas, that state could soon turn blue, or at least purple in the near future.
But don't ever point out that voters won't vote for liberal republicans for president in the general election.
/johnny