The author correctly traces the GOP’s fecklessness and ineptitude back to the years prior to 2016. In fact, I’d suggest that Trump’s victory in the GOP primaries was more remarkable — and far more indicative of a problem within the GOP — than his victory over Hillary Clinton. Trump wasn’t even a Republican before he started his campaign as a political candidate, and his nomination was a scathing indication of the contempt the Republican base has had for the party’s leadership.
You and the author are correct. I would note that I believe the Republican establishment exists to give the illusion of choice and to make sure someone conservative is not elected.