The problem with the Republicans is that no matter who gets the nomination, no matter how insightful and intelligent he or she may be (although I certainly haven't seen many), they can't get the nomination without talking like a total rightwing kook because that is who runs the republican party. If you think abortion is a choice or that creationism is not science--no matter how conservative you are, you CANNOT get the nod. They simply will not let you represent the party.

You have to talk like a nut and once you do that, the largest part of the electorate writes you off. The GOP have always gotten by on their rhetoric which resonates with the majority of (read as "white") Americans and always managed to get a stuffed shirt in there to personify that rhetoric. Now they all they have is extremist drivel being put forth by candidates who either clearly don't really believe in it--or worse--believe in it heart and soul. Can't get elected that way.