I think perhaps before the massive realignment of the parties that started in the 60s, the Republican Party was somewhat akin to the liberal democrats. Back the

I think perhaps before the massive realignment of the parties that started in the 60s, the Republican Party was somewhat akin to the liberal democrats. Back then it was the northern, pro-business, more socially liberal party. But then the Democrats supported civil rights and Nixon, Goldwater, Reagan, and co pursued the Southern strategy, and the Republican Party became socially conservative while remaining pro-business.