[rpersing]

Over time, party's tend to change basic philosophy to be "in the mainstream", no other reason than to biuld their base to maintain power, we see it with Hillary moving to the right. I doubt she'll become a republican anytime in the near future, but some such as Jump'in Jim Jeffords have switched parties.

[NicknamedBob]

"Over time, party's tend to change basic philosophy to be "in the mainstream"..."

I can see how this would be generally true, but it doesn't seem to apply to a situation where America as a whole is becoming more conservative. For the Republicans in power to move left, when the country is moving right, simply illustrates that their perception is grossly flawed, (and that their timing is execrable).