Where have all the intellectual conservatives gone?

More and more people, including many conservatives are lamenting the loss of an intellectual circle of conservatives. At a time when the USA faces many problems, it appears that fringe elements that evoke emotional rather than rational responses (think, Rush Limbaugh, Glen Beck, Tea Parties) have overtaken the conservative movement.

We need healthy debate, but that does not appear to be our current situation. So, where have all the truly intellectually curious conservatives gone? Has the notion that liberals are coastal “elitists” stifled conservative thoughts? Is the fervent anti-intellectualism of the Bush years responsible? Can something be done to establish a more vibrant conservative philosophy?