If the GOP trends libertarian?

[Kevin]

If the GOP trends libertarian and more and more towards economic conservatism  over the coming months and years espeically with this stimulus package passed and the strong possibilty that the Democrats will preceed to increase the size of government, what would the effect be on American politics?

[DanielX]

Short-term? Could be messy. The Religious Right will be upset. They probably won't go Democrat, especially if some degree of social conservativism remains.

Long-term? Will see the Republicans competitive in places like the Pacific Northwest and the Northeast again. But it may come at the cost of Democrat gains in the Midwest. And libertarianism won't help much with African-American or Hispanic voters, who tend towards populism.

[Kevin]

Short-term? Could be messy. The Religious Right will be upset. They probably won't go Democrat, especially if some degree of social conservativism remains.

Long-term? Will see the Republicans competitive in places like the Pacific Northwest and the Northeast again. But it may come at the cost of Democrat gains in the Midwest. And libertarianism won't help much with African-American or Hispanic voters, who tend towards populism.

In this case the GOP  will remain still socially conservative but it's brand of conservatism will just have a stonrg tilt towards libertariaism and economic conservatism.

[Psychic Octopus]

It is how we will survive. Let's face it, today's youth is not well... BABY KILLERZ!!! GAY FASCISTS!!!

I'd rather lose the socially conservative part of the party over the fiscally conservative pary of the party any day.No it won't help us with Hispanics or Blacks, but it will will Asians, and maybe Hispanics in the long-term.

We will open up the Northwest and Northeast again. Hell, with this maybe New York may be republican again.

[Husker]

The GOP is walking a fine line right now. While I'm not exactly thrilled about adding close to a trillion dollars of debt, republicans threatening to fillibuster the stimulus isn't going to win many people back over. On the other hand, if it fails then voters will likely reward some of the republicans in 2010.

At some point though we have to got to stop pretending that we can make government smaller. Certain programs should and hopefully will be eliminated but the GOP needs to look at reality: government rarely retracts and usually grows. We need to adjust our argument to one of "smart and efficient growth, or growth only as needed". Advocating and sticking to pay as you go would be a good start. I also think the GOP needs to come to the realization that cutting taxes won't solve all of our economic problems and we can't deregulate our way out of trouble. I'm not advocating for extremes in the other direction only to say that the current republican party will have to compromise on these issues if we want to stay viable in the foreseeable future.

On social issues... I don't expect the party to adopt a pro-choice or a pro-gay rights stance anytime soon but I think they should be more welcoming of republicans who are more socially liberal. I also think it's time to quit talking about "Real America vs. Fake America" and whatever other garbage Palin spewed last Fall. We are badly losing the votes of college educated young professionals and we'd better turn things around quickly by at least appearing more intellectual and open-minded on some issues.

[Person Man]

Short-term? Could be messy. The Religious Right will be upset. They probably won't go Democrat, especially if some degree of social conservativism remains.

Long-term? Will see the Republicans competitive in places like the Pacific Northwest and the Northeast again. But it may come at the cost of Democrat gains in the Midwest. And libertarianism won't help much with African-American or Hispanic voters, who tend towards populism.

Ehh....they would probably go back into the trees. Where do you think they were between 1932 and 1978?

[Matt Damon™]

The people who think the latin population is 1) a solid voting block, 2) going to remain a seperate group are entirely wrong.

[Daniel Z]

The West outside of the Pacific coast will become solid Republican. The Pacific coast states (CA, OR, WA) will become much more competitve with California leaning Democrat, Oregon leaning republican, and Washington being about even.

Northern New England becomes much more competitive.

The Great lake states become more Democratic

The South becomes more Democratic at the National level, although the Republicans still have an advantage.