IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

The Culture Wars: A Republican 'Reformation'?

Has the GOP given up on running on social issues? Two analysts who watch conservative politics carefully weigh in.

Acknowledging the long-term shift in public opinion on major social issues, Kathleen Parker said Sunday that the Republican Party was undergoing some changes to adapt to the evolving political landscape. Appearing on NBC’s "Meet the Press," Parker, a conservative columnist from the Washington Post, and David Brody, the Christian Broadcasting Network’s senior political analyst, debated whether the Republican Party has lost the so-called “culture wars.”

Calling the GOP shift “not so much a transformation as a reformation,” Parker said she believes that changes would be incremental. “I don't think the Republicans are so much changing their core values as they are sort of trying to change the way they approach things,” comparing the evolution of the Republican platform to the subtle changes in Roman Catholic Church's philosophy under Pope Francis.

When asked by NBC’s Chuck Todd if he believed a pro same-sex marriage candidate could be nominated by the GOP in 2016, Brody said it was doubtul. “No, I don’t think so at all, not in 2016 for sure,” said Brody. “And there’s going to be a lot of people fighting against it.”

IN-DEPTH

— Dale Armbruster