If that's true, then what has gone wrong with Republican politicians and politics?

They do a brilliant job of making it look like that writer is correct on at least three of the five points.

For instance, not partaking in the Congressional investigation of January 6. On what planet can you refuse to look into illegal actions that threaten democracy and not have it look like you value neither democracy nor the rule of law?

Maybe you're right about conservatives, but it's their own fault if their elected representatives make them look bad.