Freepers better learn, the Reagan coalition is composed of economic conservatives, social conservatives and blue collar conservatives. All three components must work together. The free trade global economy has caused dislocations in certain sectors of the American economy and has benefited other sectors. Blue collar workers have not benefited immensely in the global free trade policies. Claims of rising wages in the US must be broken down by sectors. Manufacturing salaries have kept up with inflation but are constantly under pressure from outsourcing and illegal immigrants. The GOP support of unrestraint global trade and lukewarm last minute act of stopping illegal immigrants have turned off many blue collar conservatives. Some have voted Democrat because the conservative Dem candidate offered to increase the minimum wage and review the upcoming free trade agreements on the drawing board. Though the Dems will not stop illegal immigrants, atleast the blue collar conservatives will get something on minimum wages and restraining free trade. I think once they get the two items they will again ask the two parties to stop abuse of H-1B visas and illegal immigration in 2008. The party that will meet their needs will get the blue collar conservative vote. Let us see if the GOP is going to cater to the Chamber of Commerce or the blue collar conservative voters they need to maintain the winning coalition. In the last 12 year, the Chamber of Commerce got what they wanted, while the blue collar conservatives were ignored by the GOP. The GOP paid for their inaction in 2006.
Post #78 well said.