Challenge: "Christian Democracy" in the USA

[Elidor]

How can we get the U S of A to have a Christian Democratic Party after WWII?

They might not name themselves such, but let's say that one of the Major Parties, either Democrat or Republican, have a majority of members that self-identify as Christian Democrats-- so much so that "Christian Democracy" becomes a part of the platform and self-description of that party would be enough.


One way I can see this happening is Martin Luther King surviving the sixties and becoming an elder citizen of American Politics. His views would combine leftist social justice with Christian Moralism (esp. with regards to Abortion), and although he's not terribly anti-communist, I can see him becoming one as time progresses (or at least his followers being anti-communist) as the 70s and 80s roll by. A lot of former leftists who became Neocons in OTL might become Christian Democrats instead. Any other ideas?

 

[Iori]

Without creating a three-party system, which, while difficult, would be possible, I think the best way would be to have the Republican party
remain economically moderate and then over time have socially moderate to conservative Democrats who are on the economic left switch
parties, eventually making the GOP Left of Center economically and socially moderate to conservative.

Incidentally this would likely lead to the Democratic party actually being a left-wing party, or see it replaced by one.
I suppose this scenario itself could lead to a three party system with the Left of Center & Socially Conservative GOP, a Progressive and
moderate Left Democratic party and a third party like the Libertarian party.

 

[Ming777]

Another possibility would again be Bobby Kennedy: very progressive in most social issues, but very conservative on certain ones (ie, abortion, same-sex marriages, etc.) That could also start a Christian Democracy.

 

[RogueBeaver]

"In Indiana, Bobby Kennedy became the first New Democrat: before Jimmy Carter, before the Democratic Leadership Council, which I helped to found in 1985, and before my campaign in 1992."

Originally posted by My Life

Ming is correct on the social aspects (RFK's position on abortion is the same as McCain's), but we are forgetting his economic Clintonism. That would be firmly centrist, if not centre-right by period standards. Nixon would enact much of these proposals into law.