Every time a Republican nominee loses the election we hear "this is what happens when you nominate a RINO. Real Republicans stay home". Well you have a legit conservative running and he's losing to an angry liberal (Trump) and a weak establishment candidate (Rubio)
What gives, "real conservatives"?
Because the argument was never legitimate. The fact is far right ideology is never going to win. A centrist is the Republicans only bet and that is still a hard win. The way the electoral votes are rigged a candidate has to be absolutely perfect. Every GOP candidate has a major up hill battle. Trump will have that uphill battle.
To win those swing votes you have to appeal to independents. Far right ideologies like Cruz will not appeal to them.