HALPERIN'S TAKE: Why the Republican Party (and the Conservative Movement) Is in a World of Hurt Today

1. The jury remains out (to say the least) on the Michael Steele era (see especially: nuts and bolts, communications, fundraising).

2. The inordinate actual power that radio and cable hosts have over the actions of Republican elected officials.

3. The media's fascination with the actual (and exaggerated) power that radio and cable hosts have over the actions of Republican elected officials.

4. The failure of John Boehner and Mitch McConnell to agree on and/or execute a daily, disciplined coordinated message plan.

5. The worst nativist instincts on immigration, that will cripple any chances the party has to survive the here-and-now and impending demographic changes.

6. The weakness of almost all of the potential 2012 candidates.

7.  The relative weakness of the conservative 527s, think tanks, and activist groups compared to their counterparts on the left.

8. The Obama White House's commanding command of the powers of the executive branch.

9. The near impotence of the right's long-term Big Three issues (national security, taxes, and social issues).

10. Rahm.