“Look at the depth of feeling this issue generates. And then look at all the people who tell you that social conservatism doesn’t matter and is an election liability.”
ABSOLUTELY. Fiscal issues, issues of foreign policy or employment or taxes are important - BUT it is the SOCIAL issues which make us human. They stir our passions as nothing else does. I think both the GOP and the Dems have vastly, disastrously UNDER-estimated the importance of an issue like this. Aug 1 2012 was proof of this.
I will go one further. It's the social issues which make us conservative. Without a social underpinning, we do not always make differentiation between right and wrong. Our conservatism becomes one of convenience.
We know not to spend more than we take in because it's fiscally wrong. We know not to kill the unborn because murder is wrong. We know gay 'marriage' isn't palatable because homosexuality is wrong.
Too many politicians don't differentiate, but rather triangulate. They are a big reason why this country is in the mess it's in now.