[SoConPubbie]

Conservative are about 40$ of the electorate. If we ever want to win elections, we have to convince people who call themselves libertarians and moderates to make common cause with us. How we do this and keep our core principles is the tricky part. I think the best way to accomplish this is to insist on smaller government and focus economic issues.

No, you don't do it by offending your base (Social, Christian Conservatives, who also trend towards fiscal conservative).

You do the Reagan model, you give each group what is really important to it and demand that each group also has to compromise on their 2nd tier issues, i.e.:

1. You give Social conservatives strong support against Abortion and the Gay Agenda
2. You give Fiscal Conservatives strong support for limited and reduced government
3. You give Neo-Cons strong support for a strong, muscular Military

It just so turns out, that your core base agrees with all three of those approaches and if the those individuals that fall strongly in those three groups, to the exclusion of one or two of the others, are smart, they will agree to this strategy.

It is the only way we are going to win.

[3Fingas]

I am with you on Reagan approach. However, the electorate has changed since that time. Messaging must be different on some social issues. It must be more about what you are for and not what you are against. If you frame traditional values wrong you will repel the very middle of the road voters we need to win.