The vote that swing that was larger was how many fewer votes Obama had in ‘12 than in ‘08, not how many fewer Romney had than McCain.
AS turnout varies and voter roles increase, percentages tell a story that is different than numbers.
You mention third party candidates but don’t really express your thoughts on them. Mine are that they undercut the chances of whatever side of the political spectrum spawns them.
The point is that the thesis of the original article is wrong.
It’s not conservatives’ fault that McCain and Romney lost, and it won’t be conservatives’ fault when GOP Senate candidates lose. Moderates are running the show, almost exclusively.
The problem is that the Rove-Romney cabal can’t attract swing voters in enough numbers to elect Republicans. Since Reagan, there’s been no GOP attempt to attract swing voters with a conservative.