They’d focus on “we need to be fiscally responsible” and “protect people’s rights.” They might get more traction with this.

Hm, a return to their normal lies rather their more extreme lies? I think you're right that there's no real way to turn back from the extremist path for them. I'm cautiously optimistic that trump's election signaled the beginning of the end of the party, especially as more of their voting base continues to die off.