Social Conservatism vs. Centrism In The GOP

In sharp contrast to the eight years of the Bush administration, it seems that the pendulum of public opinion has once again swung to the side of “live and let live”. From the endorsement of Barack Obama by former Bush administration member Colin Powell and the departure of Arlen Specter from the Republican Party ranks based on overly right leaning Party leaders to the outcry against the current Miss California for her public stands against gay marriage it seems that social conservatism is becoming less popular once again.

Since before the 2008 election the number of Americans identifying themselves as Republicans has been steadily declining. Within the GOP there is a growing rift between strong social conservatives and moderates about the direction in which the Party should be headed. While the far right wing gets behind Rush Limbaugh, dick Cheney and Carrie Prejean, moderates in the Party are taking a more pragmatic view of the future and supporting more moderates like Governor Charlie Crist of Florida. As Crist plans his run for the Senate he finds himself ahead in the polls while other more conservative Republicans in other races such as the upcoming Pennsylvania election find themselves trailing Democrats.

So in this climate of declining social conservatism, is there a place for social conservatives at the table? In listening to the rhetoric coming out of Washington it seems there is still some influence held by social conservatives. Most Democrats and moderate Republicans if not openly opposed to gay marriage, hedge their statements about the subject with qualifications and references to “state’s rights” and talk about “civil unions” as a compromise solution. Despite an increasing number of states legalizing gay marriage it is still a topic that leans right in political rhetoric. Other issues such as marijuana legalization and support for stem cell research have taken a decidedly liberal turn in public opinion polls and thusly have gained support among politicians.

In response to the national move leftward, some within the Republican Party have embarked on a “listening tour” aimed at bringing people back to the Republican ranks. While most political pragmatists regardless of affiliation would see this as being practical, the right wing of the Republican Party mocks the effort as being foolish. It’s no great surprise that the mocking of attempts to bring moderates into the fold by elements within the GOP is deepening the divide between right wing conservatives and more centrist Republicans. Some pundits have theorized that this divide within the Republican Party may signal the beginning of the end for the Party in its current form. While that is hard to know for certain what is more than evident is that the shrinking right faces an uphill battle in their efforts to keep the GOP “pure” in its conservatism. There might still be a place at the table for them now but if the divisiveness continues to grow it is highly unlikely that they will gain any ground in future elections against a fairly united Democratic Party.

Troy Wilson-Ripsom - Staff Writer | Give your feedback on this article. | Click icon to Digg this article

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