/----/ the parties didn't flip. The democRATS are attempting to rewrite history.
Call it what you want, but you can go back and look at the parties platforms in presidential election. Republicans were the socially progressive and liberal party. They were for more taxes, labor unions, stronger and larger federal government, welfare, social services, large gov't funded projects, more money for education, a more liberal immigration policy, and had their base strongly founded in urban area's and the Northeast.
The Democrats were the socially conservative group that were for less taxes, free markets, an original interpretation of the Constitution, smaller federal government, religious right, largely based in rural areas and the South. I mean guys like Martin Van Buren (democrat) literally sold the federal government’s tool supply so that the government could not use the tools for public works projects. It's like the exact opposite of Obama's reaction.
Just look at the stances of Benjamin Harrison and Grover Cleveland in their platforms for their parties.
Then it was kinda central for both parties for a while. Depending on what one party wanted the opposite party might lean a bit against that. Now Republicans are clearly to the right, and Democrats clearly to the left. The days of a Dixiecrat or Rockefeller Republican are over.
Look at this presidential platform.
Support of a partisan program to provide federal assistance for low income communities
Extend Social Security to 10 million more workers and benefits hikes for 6.5 million Americans
Provide asylum for thousands of refugees, expellees and displaced persons
Raise the minimum wage and extend minimum-wage protections to as many more workers as is possible and practicable.
Bring unemployment insurance to 4 million additional workers
Protect the right of workers to organize into unions and to bargain collectively
Fight to protect equal pay for equal work regardless of sex.
Those are some of the key parts of President Eisenhowers platform. His Democratic opponent was more based on fighting communism with a stronger national defense. Opposing tax loopholes and sales tax. Using military strength to keep the peace abroad, keep gov't expenditures to the lowest possible level. Protect agriculture in the US, help small businesses, protect free enterprise, privatize social programs, improve veterans benefits...