The first election in which the D was left-wing and the R was right-wing

[Mechaman]

Obviously 1932.

Before that the Republican Party was so left winged and the Democrats were far right wing Birchers.

[/retard answer]

[Mechaman]

I'm surprised nobody has suggested 1872 (although 1896 was the turning point between when it was an exception and the norm)

generally Greeley had been left-wing, but by 1872 could call him that on the major issues of the day?

If you think about how Reconstruction was applied, via military rule that empowered corrupt Republican regimes in the South, there is actually a fairly convincing argument that he was the more liberal candidate.  As well, there is the argument about the corruptness of the Grant Administration.

There is a reason why they were called the "Liberal Republicans" instead of say the "Conservative Republicans."

[Mechaman]

1872 was the first election when the Democrats were more left-wing on economics. After 1896 an economically right-wing Democrat became the exception rather than the rule.

Although I'd say on social issues the Democrats were not more liberal until the 1950's.

Ugh. . . . . . Al Smith?

[Mechaman]

The Second Great Awakening and the explosion of moralism that followed (something Democrats still mock Republicans for today)

That's kind of generalizing. There's actually a lot of moden democrats who are christian. Even  more liberals than you would think.

Yes, like THE REVEREND Jesse Jackson or THE REVEREND Al Sharpton.