Because political parties matter

Although he doesn't mention political parties in his insightful commentary piece "How to Survive Demonization," Peter Spiliakos tells us why they should be rebuilt in principle, and why conservatives must rebuild them in practice. Two quotes:

 It is very difficult—and perhaps impossible—for any candidate-centered strategy to build an enduring connection with the right-leaning but left-voting electorate. Campaigns are too short, and the relationship built during those campaigns will prove too tenuous.

The right’s problem with right-leaning Democratic voters is not weak candidates. The problem is weak relationships, and the challenge is building these relationships so that America is ready to listen to the right conservative with the right agenda. 

Instead of selecting candidates who further their agendas, the Republican and Democratic parties have surrendered control of their agendas to charismatic individuals who are able to win primary elections. Unfortunately, while an individual may have a compelling vision, only a group of individuals working cooperatively (such as a Church council or a political party) can craft an agenda for an even larger group of individuals (such as a Church or a nation). Sadly, conservatives have let a myopic focus on winning the election immediately before them prevent them from pursuing strategies which might allow them to reliably win elections year after succeeding year.