During the next couple of decades...

[Red Willow]

Considering the fact that social issues have made populist regions drift towards the Republicans, and richer, more economically conservative areas drift towards Democrats, will the parties begin to reflect this change? Or will social issues continue to change leaving the parties where they are?

[Obnoxiously Slutty Girly Girl]

In the current era, Democratic and Republican economic policies are already the same, just the magnitude is different.

[Scam of God]

Yes. This is the very crux of my argument.

[Nym90]

The Republicans have always been the party of business and the Democrats have always been the party of, well, everyone else (wedge issues that are used to attempt to obfuscate these facts notwithstanding). Don't see that as changing anytime soon.

[Smash255]

The Republicans have always been the party of business and the Democrats have always been the party of, well, everyone else (wedge issues that are used to attempt to obfuscate these facts notwithstanding). Don't see that as changing anytime soon.

Agreed, I would also add to that the fact that many socially liberal areas aren't quite as economically conservative as they once were.  Take Northern Virginia as a perfect example, use to be a Republican area, has become Democratic as a result of social issues (though transplants have also played a big role), the area puts a major emphasis on education, and is certainly not economically conservative when it comes down to education funding.  The same is true in many of the other areas that have become increasingly Democratic as a result of social issues, spending on education and other QOL issues tend to be quite important.

[TeePee4Prez]

The Republicans have always been the party of business and the Democrats have always been the party of, well, everyone else (wedge issues that are used to attempt to obfuscate these facts notwithstanding). Don't see that as changing anytime soon.

Agreed, I would also add to that the fact that many socially liberal areas aren't quite as economically conservative as they once were.  Take Northern Virginia as a perfect example, use to be a Republican area, has become Democratic as a result of social issues (though transplants have also played a big role), the area puts a major emphasis on education, and is certainly not economically conservative when it comes down to education funding.  The same is true in many of the other areas that have become increasingly Democratic as a result of social issues, spending on education and other QOL issues tend to be quite important.

Same thing with most of the Philadelphia and New York suburbs that were once heavily Republican.  Not only social issues, but I think they've centered their economic views as well.  It used to be white collar job + education level= job security hence "office park" types were heavily Republican.  Now many in this category aren't so secure in their jobs and now you'll more likely find an urban white cop as a Republican than a professional with shaky job security. 

[Vepres]

No, in fact I think both will move significantly to left on social issues, particularly Republicans, in the 2020s and 2030s.

[Smash255]

Started Warner over Eli and Colts D over Chargers D, if I flipped either one of those would have won