I hear ya, but how much of that bad image is brought on by the lies and deception of the main stream media, politicians and commentators?
Don't go shoving the blame on MSM or all that non-sense. Stupid ass republican politicians, leaders, and reps made their stupid ass perception through the deeds they have done over the last few decades. They are the ones that gave rise to that perception. Do you think it was complete fabrication seeing some of the most retarded writings on signs at tea party rallies that were shown in the news? I don't think so.
The only people republican's have to blame for their image is themselves. Using idiots like Glenn Beck, Hannity, O'Riely, Rush and other idiot pundants has undermined their image to the masses. That had NOTHING TO DO with the MSM as those guys are all direct vocal front men for the republican party and have been for years.
Mitt Romney for example was not the best man for the job and we all know why. His speeches/debates were impassioned talking points, not logical facts. He was a hypocrite that opposed UHC, despite implementing the same thing on his own for his own state which was used as the basis for the federal version, without giving good logical reasons as to why he was opposed to it. Ever. He was hard nosed on the wrong social issues, which are issues that I brought up in the OP. His actions, speeches, and how he carried himself in the public eye is what set him for losing the campaign and nothing else. Despite whatever blubbering Karl Rove tries to put out.
Republican politicians seriously need to reconsider their stances on many subjects, and the perceptions they directly give others with their actions and speeches. Until they do and man up as to why they are losing out big time, they are no going to set foot in the white house again.