Is It 1976? Or 1980?

I am always leery of using the word, "establishment," which I often define as "anyone within your political party doing stuff that you don't like."  But this column by Scott Rasmussen proclaiming the "end of the line for the Republican establishment" reinforces my own view of the state of the GOP in 2012.

I've posted previously that I believe that the political class has yet to understand the Ron Paul phenomenon.  And I say this as a person who is not a fan, personally, of Ron Paul.  But the political establishment has yet to have a full discussion of the meaning of the Tea Party movement and the passionate, large crowds being drawn by Paul.

The GOP--and I believe, the electorate, in general--are trending toward Libertarianism.  It's natural that people with Libertarian views are going to be drawn toward re-shaping the ideological views of a party that claims to be in support of limited government.

Following the Republican convention and it's parade of rising stars like Marco Rubio, Mia Love, and Susana Martinez, one commentator opined that the upcoming election would determine if this year was 1976 for the Republican party or 1980.

We saw the future of the party at this year's convention.  Mitt Romney seems to be the last of the Republicans nominated because it's "his turn."  

My party is changing.  The election determines if the change is now or if it begins in 2014 with the Congressional elections.