The Republican Party wants power, but has no interest in governing; it is the Permanent Opposition Party, not the Grand Old Party. It has no ideas, only prejudices. It exists purely to stop the left. Why did this happen?
Because the one policy it has–tax cuts for wealthy businessmen–is unpopular and hasn’t worked in decades. As a result, its only function is to provide a mouthpiece for angry and resentful white Christians. That’s it.