In his otherwise detestable book, What's the matter with Kansas?, Frank makes one excellent point - he discusses how the early champions of the pro-life movement were treated with disdain by both Republicans and Democrats. In fact, Frank compares the initial beginnings of the pro-life movement with the beginnings of the abolisionist movement (in the 19th century). Both causes were not very popular with the "mainstream" parties until people embraced the ideas.
If I may add - Both causes were not very popular with the "mainstream" parties until people embraced the ideas.
Let's not confuse "parties" with those individuals who make them up.
Most folks are decent and God-fearing, and do not look upon abortion as just another issue.
Nixon was excoriated by the press for saying that McGovern was the AAA platform candidate-- Acid, Amnesty and Abortion, which indicates to me that the lines were pretty much drawn then as they are now