Much has been said about the ability of the RNC to 'define the Democrats," soft on terrorism, bleeding hearts, etc. so that liberalism is considered a bad word.
Well, I have always found it useful to use 'GOP' to define the Republicans for me. If McCain and Shays and the apparently less rabid Republicans (Lieberman notwithstanding) seem more palatable, just remember GOP as Greed, Opulence, and Privilege. Immediately the fundamental values of the Grand Old Party become clear again for me and the seemingly 'moderate' positions are put into context.