Turning Tables, Democrats Use Cultural Issues as a Cudgel
The New York Times‘ Jonathan Martin reports, “After a generation of campaigns in which Republicans exploited wedge issues to win close elections, Democrats are now on the offensive in the culture wars.” Appealing to women and their base, Democrats in key states like Virginia are painting their opponents as out of touch with moderate voters on issues like contraception, abortion, the gender pay gap, and same-sex marriage. Martin writes, “How Republicans recalibrate could prove vital in many statewide races and in presidential politics as the electorate is reshaped by a growing presence of liberal millennials, minorities and a secular, unmarried and educated white voting bloc … On a host of issues, like gun control, drugs, the environment, race and even national security, this demographic shift has substantially weakened the right’s ability to portray Democrats as out of the social mainstream.”