One thing that’s forgotten about Reagan is that he was immensely popular as Governor of CA and made his name by giving back money to taxpayers in that state after there was a surplus. The GOP can make its name by fighting back in blue states where the Democrats are running thing into the ground and the local GOP is either complacent or in cahoots. If the GOP turns around a few blue states they will then be able to win a few majorities again. If they simply divide up the country into spheres of influence like they have in the recent past they’ll keep losing. Obama realized what Kerry and Gore were too lazy, stupid or fearful to truly understand. That since most blue states were a lock he could campaign in the red states and turn things Democrat. He just needed a few states to go the other direction and he would be President. Either the Republicans start eating into the Democratic sure things (and do some actual good in the process) or they gradually live off an aging demographic. Some would argue that since certain states will go Democrat money and effort is wasted there but at some point you have to force the Dems to make sure their flanks are secure and at least tie them down.
