I know, I know....how can I sagely say this?
Easy. You just have to think about it for a minute.
For instance, take President Obama (please). All the economic indicators are against him. Yet, the GOP can't find anybody who can give him a run for his money in 2012. Willard Romney is still battling the crazy as batshit Michelle Bachmann. Heck, Obama probably doesn't need to campaign to win in a walk.
But what's this have to do with gunloonery? Everything.
You see, the reason the GOP has turned to cartoonish extremnism is a sign of desperation. Typically, when any opposing force is losing and realizes the future is bleak--they naturally resort to extremism. It's true with respect to politics and public policy.