I fully understand and agree somewhat on the outcome, perhaps not so much as being rooted in corollaries to recent communism states.
I call them the "Loyal-but-not-too-vocal Opposition". Almost like that described in Parliament, but with a much deeper connection to Russian-like politburo functionaries. Those functionaries in government that have their power, perks and their modern day Dachas (in all their forms).
To me, they (Republican establishment) have been number two so long, their actions and reactions when they are in some modicum of control is almost Pavlovian. They know they are comfortable in being second-tier and I almost believe they relish being in control of a Congress but still having to deal with a Democrat President. The very few times when they had the triumvirate, all they did was spend more money and cower to media and appease ranting Democrats.
In short, they do not know how to govern. They cannot govern because they have no morals or convictions save only what they need to feign to get reelected.