I think you could see a throwback to the "Compassionate Conservatism" of 2000 George W. Bush after a 2020 Trump loss, but I think, unless the Incumbent Democrat is THAT bad, it'll fall flat. After that, I can honestly see a Dewey/Eisenhower type Republican party making a comeback after 8-12 years in the wilderness.
George Bush's platform and electoral success was overrated. Lost the popular vote to robot al gore, despite voter fatigue.
Barely won re-election in 2004 despite high levels of patriotism, mediocre D nominee, and high marks for handling of 9/11, not to mention decent economy.
I don't think the GOP should listen to anyone involved in the party from 1992-2012.
Needs to find a way to blend the working class voters trump brought in with a higher share of the urban/suburban/cosmopolitan vote.
Getting to >1/3rd of the nonwhite vote is a better long term bet for the GOP than trying to get the Romney->Clinton/3rd party suburban voters back. The breakthrough would probably involve getting to an incumbent Dem's left on certain fiscal/institutional issues during a bad economy, an extension of what Trump successfully did to Clinton on trade policy.
Also, if Trump loses next year, I expect the Dem will also be a 1-termer. This economic cycle can't continue forever. On that note, I think the worst case GOP scenario is Trump winning by the skin of his teeth, Dems retain a clear House majority, Senate is very close. 2022 will be an R wipeout if the economy weakens even marginally.
