REMEMBER THE VALUES VOTERS?

REMEMBER THE VALUES VOTERS? Was it really only two years ago that Democrats were beating themselves up over "values voters," those working class Americans who voted against their own economic interests because they were so grossed out by gay people and in love with fetuses? Back then, many progressives believed we could never again rise to the majority without making serious compromises on the key civil rights issues of choice and LGBT equality. But this week, in an article about Republicans' lack of faith in their own presidential aspirants, The New York Times' Adam Nagourney and John M. Broder reported that it's now Republicans, not Democrats, who fear the grip divisive social issues have on their party's presidential prospects.

Alan K. Simpson, a former Republican senator from Wyoming, said the party's presidential candidates were being whipsawed as they tried to appeal to conservative voters who have a history of strong views on issues like abortion and gay rights. "These tests are destroying the Republican Party," Mr. Simpson said.

I love to say I told you so.

--Dana Goldstein