A lie.The Dems and Repubs have evolved their philosophy over time, oddly, swapping sides in the question of liberalism.
Yes, the Repubs were Abolitionists, and opposed by the Dems, but this ancient history is totally irrelevant, and, as noted above, the Repubs are now the party of xenophobia and fear.
No, not a "lie".
Do you think the brand-new Republican Party was "conservative", back in 1854?
How about the Democratic Party back then? Were they "liberal"?