Sorry, you’re quoting a movie, not reporting history. Reagan was a master of wedge politics long before Karl Rove. With the demographic of white voters still dominant, scaring displaced blue collar workers, enticing racists and fooling religious zealots to join business interests changed the balance of power. But it didn’t change the core beliefs of millions of boomers. Just look at the 1980 Democratic platform, and remember Geraldine Ferraro, the first major party candidate for Vice President.