What was more important for creating the current "base" for the Republican party, Nixon's "Southern Strategy" or Reagans courting of evangelicals?

It seems the core of the GOP these days are a combination of bigots and evangelical Christians. It seems like Catholics are starting to make up another bloc of GOP voters. Yes, there is some overlap, but it seems like stoking the racist fires was a sure fire strategy to win votes.

I'm old enough to remember when the south was not solid red. That transformation was key to get the GOP where it is today.

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MarkPaul · 26-30, M

Well, any time there is an opening to exploit an opportunity that is going to happen. In Nixon's case, the South was looking for a "home" for its racist interests that historically had been satisfied by the Democrats. As that dynamic changed, the Republicans offered a path to continue rather than to change and Nixon exploited that.

In Reagan's case, the Evangelical movement formed to disguise bigotry inside of religious doctrine, something that had been done literally forever. Again, he exploited that group for political gain.