Virginia Republican Senate candidate Ed Gillespie
Democrats
have the advantage on cultural issues as the midterm elections approach—and for proof, all you have to do is watch Republicans try not to talk about them:
When Senator Mark Warner, a first-term Democrat, and his Republican opponent, Ed Gillespie, met for their first debate this summer, it was Mr. Gillespie who had to summon a creative way to rebut the suggestion that he was extreme. When Mr. Warner attacked his views on abortion, contraception and same-sex marriage, Mr. Gillespie used his Catholic faith as a shield. “My religious views, really, Senator, should not be at issue here,” he said. [...]
Gov. Rick Scott of Florida, a Republican, simply changed the subject to the economy when pressed about a federal judge’s decision striking down his state’s ban on same-sex unions.
Democrats, meanwhile, are seizing the advantage:
A new generation of Democratic strategists believe that using cultural attacks as a turnout lever is essential to success in swing states.
“When we polled and focus-grouped, it was so evident you weren’t going to motivate our base unless you were vocal and clear on these issues,” said Robby Mook, [Virginia Gov. Terry] McAuliffe’s campaign manager.
Unfortunately, the fact that Republicans are out of step with voters on things like abortion and contraception doesn't mean they're likely to reassess; to the contrary, Republicans seem to get more extremist with every passing year. But at least it's got them on the defensive in some key races.