Is there a way to save Republicanism?

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First off, in terms of political affiliation, I generally consider myself a confused and/or indifferent member of the "silent majority" on most occasions - thanks for asking. In some respects I tend to sympathize with the more progressive ideas (particularly on social and environmental issues), in others I lean more towards the conservative side (finance and spending, and crime). But regardless of these complicated preferences, there is one thing for sure: I do believe a democracy is only viable when there's quality competition between ideas, with quality participants on all sides involved. And right now, even a distant observer like myself is able to see that in the US, there isn't one. There's a problem with the conservative side of the competition, and it's been there for quite a while.

Somewhere between Gipper's "Morning in America" and Sarah Palin's nomination speech (and Rush Limbaugh's frequent outbursts somewhere in between), Republicans simply lost it. I can't pin down the exact moment - was it the "Willie Horton" ad, or maybe the whole Clinton impeachment brouhaha? Or maybe there wasn't a specific moment or event, just a slow, gradual process? I don't know. But whatever and however happened, the fact is, from a distant observer's point of view, the Republican party looks no longer capable of coming up with and/or electing politicians with the qualifications and worldview necessary to function in the 21st century. Sad but true. Just a brief look at the panel of crazies and lightweights on the recent debate stages should give us a clear indication of that.

( So the question is... )