Most americans are socially conservative. This election will show this to be true. Running a real conservative will get more, not fewer votes. Running away from the position will destroy the party.
Most Americans are center-right on many social issues but don't think it's a good or important area for the government to muck around in. This is the key takeaway of the dramatic change in views on gay marriage / civil unions - it's not that middle America has suddenly embraced the idea of two dudes in love, it's that they don't like the government telling people which way is the right way to live life.
