I really know that I do not have an opinion of any value really, on the basis that I am Aussie and therefore not subject to the political system in america in any meaningful way, nor do I have access to the media.
BUT......Here is a layman's take on it.
The way I see it, The republican/Conservatives are sterotypically either the traditional values set or the gold ole boys.
The Liberals/Democrats are stereotypically the cultural, cappuccino sipping, internet savvy, intellectual, yuppies and such.
I think there is a real war in America's hearts and minds these days with the things that they value as Americans and the things that they value as global citizens. Yes Americans tended to flock to America originally to escape persecution and become independent and forge a superpower in the next 200-300 years. Therefore they are likely to hold onto those values that got them there. The belief in God, the belief in the sovereignty of America, the xenophobia and unwillingness to consider outsiders ways. These base traditional values basically encapsulate the Conservative mindset.
I do understand this mindset. My parent are 7 generation Aussies from Rural South West Australia. On townships of less than 1000 people. I know these values well. (Just replace "American" for "Australian" or even said township)
The problem is, the fact that the bible values over time are not as set in stone absolute yardsticks they once were and people CAN and DO question the validity of what they are told. The ignorance from the isolationist values are exposed in facebook, twitter and the internet in general and it exposes said ignorance (Before any Americans want to try to go me for calling Americans stupid, I did not say that, I referenced the word ignorant) and the thing is, ignorant people will learn.
So So now you have the numbers of isolationist, god fearing traditional value American who would happily put into the vice Presidency a Alaskan Soccer Mom who is as ignorant as all fuck but towing a comfortable traditional value platform, BUT most will not tolerate that. The numbers of intellectual, open minded, educated, Americans who are prepared to question the what and whos that they are, and prepared to not just tow the line, will actually say, "No, she is a simpleton and we need more than Guns and Apple Pie to make us Global citizens". Simply put the ignorant Americans are in the decline and are running out of ammunition to intellectual defend any attacks from sophisticated attacks from fellow American that are not based on close minded and ignorant belief set. They are now receding into a dwindling minority
I see a decline in Fox and in Conservative strength. Chase Carey will take over Fox News on his Rupert's retirement. By the time Chase Carey I predict that the Fox News channel's rating will be only rating 3 or 4 instead of 1. I see the gradual trend against the establishment and the traditional values and the shock and fear tactics of the government to enforce servitude in America. No grand revolutions, just a gradual shift. It is not be welcome to all.