[Spooky23]

Democrats are a big tent party and idealology doesn't rule as a result. When they get ideological they pay dearly, as gay marriage demonstrated. (Lots of older white and black voters stayed home or voted GOP)

Republicans can't win the numbers game so they hammer home on right wing populism. Unfortunately, the last 30-40 years hasn't been kind to the "Main Street" centrist republicans of the past.

[sanderjd]

My impression is that the tent-restricting social issue that has held the Democrats back in recent years is abortion, not gay rights. I'd be interested to hear if you have studies or polls showing otherwise.

[pstuart]

I'd say it is God, Guns, Gays, and Gynecological Gerrymandering.