The end of Social security is a fundamental disruption of the social order

[More Than A Feeling]

Today's Joe average conservative seems to be motivated by the breakdown of traditional social institutions. They support the president through thick and thin, in a reaction to the increasing lack of reverence for the office which began with the vietnam and the watergate scandals. They fear that marriage will be degraded by the expansion of its definition to include a previously marginalized group. They are attempting to preserve security and order in a society that is rapidly changing (due to the impact of globalization)

Social Security has come to be a part of the traditional social order. It represents the fundamental value that conservatives place on the wisdom that comes with age and experience. In Republican attempt to remove it, it is possible that they will cause their base to realize that Republicans are only adding to their instability and insecurity.

What I am trying to say is that if the Democratic Party can't win a fight in which the issue at stake appeals to even hardline conservatives, then I don't know what it can win.