So 1968 should be seen as a hard partisan realignment, with 1980 being more of a soft ideological realignment.
Why begin in 1968? 1952 is clearly a far more suitable starting point when discussing GOP inroads into the post-war South. It does after all mark the beginning of a proper two party system there with Eisenhower flipping a number of Southern states and drawing strength even from parts of the Deep South such as its "black belt" region (white voters there) and major urban areas. Even down-ballot races became more competitive prior to 68 as shown by the election of John Tower in 60 and the strong showing for Republicans in the 1962 Alabama and South Carolina senate races.
