Social Issues, Authenticity, and Party Brands

Roger Simon joins David Frum in arguing that the GOP’s loss of NY-23 proves that social conservatism and Palinism are losers for the party. His commenters predictably cited the loss of (yet another) pro-gay-marriage plebiscite in (relatively) liberal Maine as proof that social-con issues still win at the ballot box, while Chris Christie won in (extremely) liberal NJ despite carrying the pro-life label. Both sides of the argument have some facts on their side but I believe they are missing the larger synthesis.

1. Authenticity: When an edgy indie band starts doing commercials for Pepsi, the aura of authenticity rapidly fades. People who actually love Pepsi may enjoy the momentary burst of cool, and kids who genuinely like the edgy indie band for its music will continue to do so, but the rest will see it as a sellout.

Likewise, if you are a GOP loyalist, you still believe the GOP is an effective vehicle for advancing any issue, and if you are an issue loyalist, you will gladly give huzzahs to any candidate who picks up your banner. But the broad middle voters are more skeptical, and after a decade of Jack Abramoff, Larry Craig, David Vitter, and Mark Sanford, the ability of the GOP to align with social-conservative issues and appear authentic is much more severely diminished with them than with longtime GOP voters and social conservatives.

2. Social Conservatives as the Base: Another argument I often hear is that evangelicals, pro-lifers, etc. are the “foot soldiers” of the Right, and without them, there wouldn’t be much of a Republican quorum left for lower taxes and smaller government. But the so-cons are the Republican base today because they gradually drove out any libertarians and fiscal conservatives who were unable to hold their nose around them. Which brings me to my next point…

3. Social Issues are Status Issues: People are social creatures, and we choose our associations in ways to maximize our group status. Fiscal policy issues are almost invariably wonky and abstract, while social policy issues are intensely personal and immediate. Living in Boston, I invariably rush to add “but I’m in favor of gay marriage” when someone finds out I vote Republican. To be seen as Republican is to be seen as anti-gay, and loudly dissociating oneself from such views is an easy way to raise one’s status. Conversely, being in favor of lower taxes or school vouchers are merely eccentric, a little of which can be tolerated in a spirit of cosmopolitanism.