[steve-b]

Most of them disagreed with Reagan on social issues, but they were tired of their paycheck belonging to the government.

Methinks Norwell is the only person in the country who has never heard of "Reagan Democrats".

[Norwell]

And so it would be. In later years, pundits would talk about the "Reagan Democrats," the pro-life, anti-Communist voters who were more at home in bowling alleys than country clubs. By stressing themes of family, neighborhood, and peace through strength, Reagan brought them together with the traditional Republicans who worried about capital gains.

An explanation stolen from John J. Pitney Jr., Associate professor of government at Claremont McKenna College & author of The Art of Political Warfare. This is the Reagan Republican definition I am accustomed to seeing.

Now as for Reagan implementing a social agenda, perhaps I misunderstood, but I thought he:

Attempted to appoint judges who'd overturn Roe V.Wade, such as James Buckley and Robert Bork

Endorsed Constitutional Ammendments to protect the flag and allow prayer in school

Instituted a We Ask-Don't Belong-Don't Join policy regarding homosexuals in the military by executive order shortly after taking the presidency

Fired homosexual aides while Governor in California

Ended sex-integrated basic training (at least in the Army) begun under the Carter Administration

Vetoed bills publicly funding abortion

Ended all abortions at US Military Facilities

Campaigned vigorously on behalf of candidates like Paul Laxalt, Jesse Helms and Malcolm Wallop. I'd say this is at least a fairly decent effort at implementing social conservatism and the fact he had varying degrees of success does not mitigate the fact he made an honest attempt to do it.

Now, if you want somebody who speaks out of both sides of his mouth, look at GWB as regards enforcing immigration laws.