Yet the democrats manage to win while staying true to their own base. Do you contend that conservative principles are less marketable to the mushy middle than liberal ones?
In California, they are. In Alabama, Texas, Florida, etc they are not. I am all for running more conservative candidates in states where their positions are closer to the mainstream, but you have to adjust somewhat in more liberal states like California. Even the Democrats have been known to run pro-lifers for office in the deep south.
The democrats manage to win in the courts.
Do you contend that conservative principles are less marketable to the mushy middle than liberal ones?
Depends upon which issues you mean. If you mean that there should be no abortions for any reason whatsoever, then the mushy middle would not go for it. If, on the other hand, if you mean the issues that Arnold is expousing, then yes, they are salable. Things like patriotism, lower taxes, and less regulations.