Thank you, Ed . . . good article.  The last line is most interesting in that it suggested that an older conservative like Kissinger would have to try to break down walls to reach a younger (radical idealist) like Palin.  I think the Republicans have ignored experienced realists like James Baker and others long enough.  They MUST be defeated this time around if for no other reason than to re-align the influence of the more realistic wing of the party. 

If not, I think they run a serious risk of going the way of know-nothing Whigs, who might be the most apt comparison.

I think there is a place for real conservative party at the table, not what we have today.