Thoughts on Republican rebranding

For Republicans to effectively present "new ideas," doesn't there have to be some kind of admission of error and disowning of the "old ideas?"

(For an example, see the politics Bush played on "the surge.")

Second thought. It would be a whole lot easier for Republicans to move forward if we weren't watching the exact same people making the exact same arguments. (They may have to wait until the current crop ages out of influence.)

Third thought. I believe that the Republican who can effectively rail against the Republican party without crossing the litmus test issues will be their next ideological leader. Somebody running outsider populist like a Huckabee, but in a more "city on a hill" way and not quite so much of a self-infatuated prick.

Just thinking out loud.