Purists? I doubt it. Nobody would is so fanatical to think that the fate of this country hangs on their one issue which they elevate to THE ISSUE is just a purist. I think fanatical is more like it. And the sooner they are disavowed, the sooner the rest of us can go about trying to have a reasonable government in this country. They are separatists if you ask me.
I strongly, but respectfully disagree. IMO, your ‘description’ (which seems to be held widespread among the supporters of top tier candidates) is an attempt to redefine conservatism. You may call conservatives with strong positions on key issues separatists or fanatics, but IMO, the ‘reasonable’ government you’re looking for is RHINO and will result in more of the same. It is conservatives who must disavow each and every attempt at moderation.