This was a big part of the problem with Romney. He simply wasn’t, and still isn’t, credible as a conservative with respect to any of the social/cultural issues.
I agree. And he took that doubt about his credibility and then told social conservatives to get lost.
Now his supporters act surprised that social conservatives took him up on it.
You're right, but he would have signed legislation moving us in the right direction. His skill was as a manager of large organizations with a good understanding of economics. He would have been at minimum competent when dealing with China, Russia and Iran.
If we had conservative legislation in front of him he would have been smart enough to not tick off his base.
Look what we ended up with. We now have as law of the land people forced to subsidize abortions through their health insurance.