How well has it worked out picking the most “electable” candidates? (Bob Dole, John McCain, Mitt Romney)
I’m afraid I have to object to the premise of your last question. The last time(s) “we” backed a real, no-shit conservative was Ronald Reagan. He wasn’t perfect by any means, but he was arguably the best president of the 20th century and, in my opinion, one of the four or five best ever. Since then, we’ve had GHWB, Bob Dole, GWB, John McCain and Mitt Romney. I would argue that we lose when we DON’T back the purest (to use your term) candidate - even when we win the election, i.e., GHWB and GWB.
Cruz beat Hill in last Fox head to head as did all others listed. Which shows how volatile the race is. Long time til first votes. I am starting to question whether one who has never run for office can win the nomination.
While I agree with most of what you wrote, one bone to pick ...
“How well has it worked out for conservatives to only back the purest candidate?”
The last time that happened we elected Reagan.
Ted Cruz is beating Hillary in head to head polling, but Trump and Bush are trailing her in head to heads by 3 - 4 % points. The argument that Cruz can’t beat Hilllary, just isn’t true.