Conservatives Versus Liberals: The Struggle Within the Primary

editor — Wed, 2 Jan 2008 18:54:05 -0800

John McCain at the VFW post in Merrimack, New Hampshire, Dec. 29.
Photo: Andrew Cline

The presidential primary that will begin this evening is turning into a fairly clear-cut contest between the left and right wings of both parties. The question that will begin to be answered this evening is whether conservatives will control the Republicans — and whether liberals will lead the Democrats.

The Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday that the Republican Party "has become so splintered by the presidential primary campaign that some party leaders fear a protracted nomination fight that could hobble the eventual nominee." It's not just the Republicans who are divided, however. Both parties are undergoing internal struggles between moderate members and those who are more extreme.

The primaries have become ideological contests — left versus right — a division that became evident in national polls conducted in November and December and recently compiled by Gallup.

By Bill Bishop and Alan Abramowitz

Conservatives Versus Liberals: The Struggle Within the Primary