Whenever three-fourths of the public says government is the country’s biggest problem, that majority includes millions of non-ideological independents and moderates who just want to see American optimism and prosperity restored. They are more open to the conservative message now than they have been since 1980. So, don’t screw it up, Republicans.

◼ Only Republicans can prevent a conservative renaissance - Washington Examiner Editorial

This new consensus is seen in the Gallup poll's finding that three-fourths of Americans view Big Government as the most serious threat to the nation's health. Similarly, the latest Rasmussen Report finds strong majorities support “smaller government with fewer services and lower taxes.” In such a context, Republicans should be poised to regain control of both chambers of Congress in the 2014 election and then elect the next president in 2016.

But the biggest obstacles standing in the way of such renewed GOP success are the two camps that dominate the Republican field, the party's Washington establishment and its Tea Party-led grassroots. Each camp had better sober up about what is required to put the nation back on the right course and how either of them could sabotage the effort.

The establishment GOP must recognize their credibility is also in tatters. For too many years, party leaders promised less spending and elimination of wasteful, duplicative and corrupt federal programs. But it was business as usual in Washington when Republican leaders had the power to deliver on their talk. Today, party leaders will cause more electoral disasters if they think merely talking conservative reform will restore them to power.