Everyone always hearkens back to Buckley, and I can understand why - he was an even-tempered and easily digested thinker who, even if you didn't agree with, you could empathize with. Thing is, "conservative media" also includes wingnuts like Father Coughlin, who I can easily see selling survivalist food kits. Remember back when we had "conservative democrats?" Yeah, me neither.
It has always been theatre, it's just a different type now. Buckley played a role, more Downton Abbey professor to Becks Nutty conspiratorial Professor. The audience has changed but the show must go on. I'm interested to see how the GOP rebuilds in the wake of this loss. It seems evident that the Grover Norquist -Tea Party momentum has subsided and wasn't grand enough to carry the day. Where to now?