If you look at the names present at that meeting it was many of the most powerful Republicans in Washington at the time. It included both the House and Senate minority whips, Chief Deputy Whip, powerful committee chairs, and other powerful senators like Jim DeMint. So basically most of the most powerful Republican politicians in Washington except for the House and Senate minority leaders.
If you think they weren't capable of steering the direction of the party you are insane. This is shown particularly well by the fact that, well, the party went in exactly the direction they recommended.
I see little reason to think he did. Regardless, considering how far Obama reached across the aisle in his first term if he was aware of it he took it and did the opposite.
And anyway, perhaps Republicans were pushing back after
democrats obstructed Bush.