>>>Republicans can win big in 2010 and 2012 by talking less about social issues and more about economic liberty and federalism.....<<<
No, Republicans can win big in 2010 and 2012 by talking MORE about social issues AND more about economic liberty and federalsim, not to mention more about national security through strength, rather than bowing.
Without social conservatism, the GOP is effectively a 3rd party, with ZERO shot at the White House.
Judging from the record of actual recent Republican winners (e.g. McDonnell), the key to victory is in fact to focus on economic issues and not touch the social ones with a 10-parsec pole. Note that McDonnell was able to avoid being macaca’d by the thesis by distancing himself from it and declaring that he no longer held those views.