It is interesting to me that much of the advice to the GOP is coming from Democrats. Much of it admonishes the  party to be more moderate - more inclusive. Sometimes memories are short. I was born in 1933- went political at an early age. The first time in my memory that the House was controlled by Republicans was during the post Reagan era with the Contract With America. This was not moderate, luck  warm,  or" go along to get along" Bob Michaels Republicanism. It was based on Ronald Reagan's smaller government, fiscal responsibility, strong national defense , rights of the individual conservatism.

The Democrats would like nothing more than to see the GOP become the compromising, me too but light, party that they tolerated in the pre-Gingrich days.  What the country is really wanting is for the young Turks of the party to step forward and say to the American people this we believe "we're heading in the wrong direction. Socialism does not work - look at history".   We believe like Ronald Reagan did. Free enterprise works.  Smaller government means more money in the pockets of those who earned. That money is put to work and regardless of the motive, benefits all.  Millions of people keeping money and making decisions of how to use it, trumps bureaucrat's judgement hands down.

What will revive the GOP will be committment to the people to return to the principles expounded in the "Contract With Americal". A pledge of not to abandon it for the glory of the  Beltway.  Smaller government which is less intrusive in the lives of average Americans. Lower taxes and less government intervention in our every day life. A strong national defence. This is what will make the Republican party a party of the people again. To the elitists of the party and the opposition party we say, "grab an oar and start rowing or get out of  the boat and swim to shore".