Funny thesis, but I hope it's not true, for I do like an intelligent debate from the opposing point of view.
The demise of the right intellectually, and philosophically seems to follow the life of William F. Buckley. What I liked most about Buckley was his ability change his mind, something sadly lacking from today's primarily socially conservative group.
Buckley changed his mind about civil rights, and drug legalization, years later becoming for both of them. In the early-60's, he also took on the John Birchers in this own party when few would, and considered Ann Rand a totalitarian, when many on the Far Right praised her as the quintessential libertarian.
In '65 when running for Mayor of NYC, which he lost to fellow Yalie, but liberal, John Lindsay, Buckely wanted to impose congestion pricing on cars into the City center, and a network of bike lanes through out the City, both things the Left is only now embracing.
The intellectual death knell for McCain, was delivered by his son Christopher, who came out for Obama in the National Review, founded by WF.
BTW Spark almost all of the New Deal, championed by FDR, was first proposed by Republican TR before his Bull Moose sortie.
We need a rational voice from the right, especially with regarding to fiscal thrift, and more accountable government. Just live for awhile anywhere liberals have ruled unfettered for 30 years, and you will find that better educated, doesn't always mean smarter.