David Boaz blogs “Conservatives Shift on Gay Marriage.” Well, OK, it’s mainly about Britain’s Conservative Party, which is leading the charge for same-sex marriage in the U.K. But Boaz notes that, here in the U.S., “Republicans too know that ‘young urbanites’ are overwhelmingly supportive of marriage equality, and they don’t want to lose a whole generation.”
But when (or whether) the GOP can move forward by doing both what’s right (the principle of equal freedom under the law) and politically pragmatic (appealing to the center) in the face of intransigent opposition by the Santorum social right, whose activists still dominate GOP presidential caucuses, remains to be seen.
More. From Politico, Republicans Retreat on Gay Marriage:
Just a few years ago, House Republicans were trying to etch their opposition of gay marriage into the Constitution. Now? They’re almost silent. …
It’s not like the GOP has become a bastion of progressiveness on gay rights, but there has been an evolution in the political approach — and an acknowledgment of a cultural shift in the country.
And the article notes this:
A Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll released earlier this month showed a 9 percent increase in support for gay marriage among Republicans to 31 percent. Support among 18-to-34-year-olds was nearly 70 percent, according to a 2011 Washington Post/ABC News poll.
And so the wind blows.
7 Comments for “An Alternate Universe?”
posted by An Alternate Universe? | QClick Radar on
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posted by Houndentenor on
Yes, Europe is an alternate universe. I most European countries the center right party is to the left on most issues of the American Democratic Party.
posted by Tom Scharbach on
But when (or whether) the GOP can move forward … remains to be seen.
I think that marriage equality will be a non-issue outside of the southern states by the 2020 election cycle.
At that point, the question will be whether the Republican Party will be able, at a national level, to a “straddle”, making make nomination of a equality-neutral national ticket possible. I don’t know the answer.
posted by tomjeffersonIII on
In the U.K. overt racism, sexism or homophobia is not really a good campaign strategy and is pretty much avoided in electoral politics, except for some very right-wing/fascist parties.
In the U.S. you can still get some electoral mileage out of homophobia. It has certainly improved greatly, because the idiots and jerks have to be a bit more tactful about it, but in certain States or Districts their is still a deep well of homophobia to mine.
posted by Doug on
Santorum isn’t the only social right candidate. We found out today that Romney gave $10,000 to NOM. He’s as bigoted and narrow minded as the rest if the candidates.
posted by Houndentenor on
I seriously doubt that Romney personally is a bigot. That would require him to give much thought to the issue. What I suspect, based on the experiences of friends still in the Mormon Church, is that he was pressured (in a way those of us in most churches can hardly imagine) to donate to fight against gay marriage. I have at least one friend who was threatened with excommunication (or whatever Mormons call that) if he failed to donate to the pro-Prop 8 campaign. He refused. No one ever accused Romney of having any principles, and $10,000 for him is like pocket change for most of us.
posted by Doug on
At least Kennedy said he would not be a slave to the Catholic Church as opposed to Romney who would do the bidding of the Mormon Church. Romney apparently has neither principals nor spine.