Over at MyDD J Ro writes:

Last night, I had the pleasure of witnessing a spirited discussion between a young Republican working for a lobbying organization and a obliging Democratic operative. The conversation went along the lines of what’s next for the Republican party, a familiar road these days. What astounded me was the depth of denial coming from the Republican activist, a feeling I’ve heard echoed throughout Republican circles I’ve had contact with, both online and offline.

By denial I mean this: Almost every Republican I’ve spoken with or read has not seen the 2008 election of Barack Obama as a clear repudiation of their ideas, just their tactics.

Since the 1950′s Republican electoral strategy has revolved around fear — fear of communists, fear of immigrants, fear of African Americans, fear of Muslims. (To be fair Lyndon Johnson used fear as an effective campaign tool as well.) That only carries you so far, when your core governing philosophy revolves around serving the needs to the few, to the detriment of the many.