I think for either of the parties on these types of issues (simplistic lumping them together, but the more social, split, controversial ones) should leave room for their candidates to find a position that fits with the local constituencies- eg you could still be a pro-life D, or a pro-choice R, or more or less strict on immigration in either party, etc, that is more healthy imo.

But wrt abortion for Rs, at the top line anything more restrictive than that 12-15 weeks with exceptions, a "safe legal rare" (old D position), you are capped hard. Or do you really sincerely believe in 'decide everything at the state level' and take that principle seriously on other issues not just where it's beneficial. To be significantly successful I think they simple need to moderate on that issue, similar to Ds needing to moderate elsewhere, otherwise neither side gains enough edge to chart much of a direction that could be mostly supported, or advance on 'bigger' issues.

[Post edited by hoodeyo at 04/09/2024 7:49PM]