Colin Powell's endorsement of Barack Obama not only was a vote of confidence in the Democratic candidate but also a sharp critique of the direction of the Republican party. Powell echoed the backlash by many moderate Republicans against the social conservatives that have come to dominate the party's politics.

Colin Powell is not the only moderate Republican who is concerned with the direction of his party. In Arizona, I spoke with Slade Mead, who writes the blog The Dry Heat. In 2002, he ran as a pro-public education candidate and was elected to the Arizona Senate. But after his election, he recalls a discussion of the Republican caucus where members asked: "How do we dismantle public schools?"

"My blood ran cold. I couldn't believe that I was listening to this conversation. I believe that the strength of our system is an educated populace," he said. The Republican caucus wanted to dismantle public education to save money and to give vouchers to parents so they could send their children to religious or charter schools.

Mormon's make up 18% of the population in Arizona, and they represent a strong conservative bloc in Arizona politics, he added. "Their goal is a faith-based school system."

"I got disgusted. I couldn't look myself in the mirror after coming out of those meetings," he added, and he finally broke ranks against the budget his party proposed. He was exiled from the Republican party and lost a bitterly fought primary campaign in the next election.

In neighbouring New Mexico, a veteran Republican told me how social conservatives had pushed moderates out of positions of power in the party. He wouldn't go on the record because he said, "They have an interesting way of of punishing the messenger."

When I asked him to elaborate, he said: "They will try to kill your business."

It has left little room for Republicans who focus on fiscal issues and pragmatic policies, he said. The philosophy of moderate Republicans is compassionate conservatism. While moderate Republicans may not support government giveaway programmes, they do support programmes that help people to help themselves.

He's quick to point that activists have taken over both parties from time to time, eventually forcing the parties from power and bringing about a realignment.

New Mexican political blogger Joe Monahan said that this election could lead to Republicans being out of power for a generation. "Republicans have ceded the economic edge in this recession," he said. And traditional social wedge issues such as gay marriage or abortion won't have much traction.

"The ultimate wedge issues is fear and whether you have a roof over your head. It will change the face of this country for a lifetime," he said.



The Guardian's Suzanne Goldenberg is speaking to religious conservatives in Colorado Springs. On Tuesday, she reports how they are preparing for defeat and asking what went wrong.