First, Reagan wasn't even all that great by objective standards.. But he was the best we had in a while. He came at a time when he was sorely needed and set a new standard in the process. Second, they never wanted him.. Republicans of the Rockefeller-Ford mold hated him. Later they realized they could use him though.. Because they are unable to run on what they really believe. Using Conservatism gives them a cloak of legitimacy.