Is the Republican Party becoming an authoritarian party?
Authoritarians like “shows of force,” are closed off to compromise, and are emotionally rigid (both religiously and politically).
The question is whether the Republican Party wishes to be a “home” for such personality-types. If the answer is yes, then the party will run with people like Sarah Palin. If the answer is no, it will run with people like Steele (who is running for the national party chair).
My fear is that, if the economy turns substantially worse, or there is a large terrorist attack in the United States, that Republican voices of moderation will be even scarcer than they are today, and the party will put forward ever more jut-jawed, Rush Limbaugh posturing, authoritarians as leaders.
Prometheus Unbound 