I do believe,
A few here have indeed hit the so called "nail on the head" in a sense.....In fact, many republican principles have been embraced by the Democrats, and of course, Democratic Party ideas have in some cases, been picked up by the Republicans....Which indeed, is which Can you still tell? (Don't give me that tired old saw about "liberal"; Alone the term means nothing, as it is rare to encounter a true liberal today, in my opinion...)
No, I don't think the difference has much to do with the country going "conservative" as a whole; it seems more a result of reaction to some new and modern specifics of life, that are often hard to categorize....from abortion to using cell 'phones while driving...In fact old friends of mine are changing party hopes at times...
The very RAPID change technology forces on us all, requires effort, and many "back off" as it seems to move to new ideas far too fast....THAT is the new conservatism; and note that again, some principles are in a state of flux, actually being "crossover" principles between the two ideology's...(Its not that they refuse the Technology, they refuse the thinking required..and the liberal and moderate principles...examples: NAFTA...CAFTA...and WHAT to do about the new super-powerhouse, CHINA....)...
To suggest that conservatives really stand for the principles of revolutionary America, as suggested by some commentators, is to miss completely the point of conservatism IN IT'S NEW FORM...A Reaction to moderate and liberal principles was long ago well accepted by a majority of Americans Including conservatives....It is now refused in an attempt to SLOW DOWN what some see as the give-away of America and American principles....to a world more closely tied together than ever before...
The new conservatism is very real, and I fear the Democrats and Moderates simply wrote it off as useless...Yet it becomes increasingly apparent that a bit more than hallf the people in this country DO want to see America once again ascendant...and perhaps even holding the world to our demense...Whether it is "right" or even "possible" awaits the passing of time....
John