Of course, with Nixon and his liberal domestic policies out of office, and the man himself discredited, it was easier for the GOP to move right. A successful two-term Nixon would have had enough influence over the party to block the nomination of the far more conservative Reagan in '76 and '80. So, Katie, be careful of what you wish for.
Dude, this is a great point, one that will sail over the heads of the MSM. The exit of Nixon and the defeat of Ford emasculated the dominant Rockefeller wing of the Republican party. People forget how darn liberal Republicans used to be before Reagan came along. They were the first ones to champion birth control (Senator Bush), abortion (Senator Packwood) and even oppose the Vietnam war in the Senate. (Senators Javits and Hatfield)