The problem with transforming is the implied admission that you, as an individual or a group, were wrong. It hurts when you consider it, it hurts more once you realize it, it hurts the most should you decide to tell anyone.

We're pretty much the farthest away from any elections right now as possible. If the GOP wants to lighten up on abortion, compromise on immigration, and completely change its views on gay rights - now would be the time to do it. Yes, dems and lefties and the media will give them shit for it - but they'll be better off the more time they put in between that change and any election.