What just 25 years ago were the ‘Reagan conservatives’ is now totally split. Are you a ‘fiscal conservative?’ Oh, I was looking for a ‘social conservative.’ Before, there was no differentiation.That's because Reagan was able to appeal to social conservatives on issues like abortion and stopping the pro-left meddling of the federal government in cultural issues. He himself was a cultural libertarian and therefore did not allow the government to promote a cultural conservative agenda. Therefore, he did not alienate cultural libertarians.
Reagan helped create this split by converting many voters (especially under 30 at the time) to fiscal conservatism without the cultural collectivist baggage that is always an drag on the GOP at general election time.
As for homosexuality, he had little to say about it because he himself was tolerant. Patty Davis has recalled how he once told her about Rock Hudson's preferences in a very matter of fact and non-judgemental way.
“Are you a ‘fiscal conservative?’ Oh, I was looking for a ‘social conservative.’ Before, there was no differentiation.”
“Fiscal conservatives” are white Democrats who don’t like black people; we have a lot of them in the northeast. They have no problems with homosexuality, personal drug use, etc.; just keep those abortion mills humming in those cities. That is what separates them from “conservatives”.