Yes, it does look that way to me too. The future of the Republican party lies in its members and its message to America. The failed and lame duck presidency of GWB and the fiasco surrounding John McCain - Sarah Palin must tell them something has got to change in that party. There will come a time for them to rule again, never doubt it, but if they dig in their heels and continue the old ways of doing things, it may be a while. All things are cyclical and what may have been an improvement 25 years ago may be looked upon as unnecessary today. All parties must keep it's finger on the pulse of the times and the American people's needs, lest they fall into disfavor with the masses. As of 2004 the republican share of voters was at 55 million while the Democrats weighed in at 72 million and the Independents at 42 million! People are disenchanted and disenfranchised by what the Republican party stands for at this juncture in our history.

I'd like to think they'll learn from the last few years and take it upon themselves to remove hypocrites, bigots, criminals, adulterers, and fanatics from their party.

But I know better.

The social aspects of the political parties have changed many times due to events.

Economic policy will always remain the same. Lincoln favored big business so that is the basic guideline for the Republicans. They will always prefer a capitalist system. The social aspect changes of course, especially now that religion is a factor. Before, the unions preferred the Republicans because of their anti-immigration policy and support of high tariffs, now it's split among the labor class because issues of minimum wage and Affirmative Action take place.

Socially? I don't exactly know how they will change on it. a majority of the country is against Gay Marriage, and those who view abortion as murder don't tend to just say "eh, w/e". Republicans are pro-life as a basis, but most are actually pro-choice (at very limited extents).

nah, i don't think much will change. hell, the only things i think would change they actually agree with the democrats on (violent video games and metal).

There will be very little actual change as far as policies. The leadership will be "cleansed" so to speak, resulting in more attractive, and less corrupt members, (any party, given as much power as the Republicans have the last 8 years, will overeach their bounds.) What will result is a more attractive party, less attached to the special interests that have been funding them, and more for the people. Next, if Obama wins we'll see 8 years of steady economic growth, and less of all this "fear" Republicans have been claiming is lurking in every shadow. As we get comfortable, all of the people excited about Obama now, will once again become too lazy to vote, and the "moral majority," (who I hate) will again be the vast majority of the voting population, leading to a resurgent Republican party.

So it's looking like the Republicans are going to get clobbered in this election. I'm wondering -- are we seeing a permanent shift to the left in America? Will the Republicans adjust their message after this election? If so, in what way?

There seems to be a lot of unresolved tension between old school conservatives and neocons. I for one am hoping Republicans will focus more on spending and economic issues and less on stuff like opposing stem cell research and bashing gays.

It is now 2015 and the GOP better had come up to the 21st century or else go the way of the dinosaurs.

the future is not as good as you guys think it will be this year people are becomeing democarti because their scared that if people find out that their not voting for ohter party that their family and every thing they love is goning to get hurt here in airzona i had to stay inside why i so a guy get beat down because he said i not voting for the other party this man was only 16 he was my cousin i hope that the mcain does get electoid and dont say im a racist because you have no idea what color my skin is and i have no idea what your is and im 16 years of age so ha