Liberal Republicans and Conservative Democrats?

Yes, there was a time when there were Liberal Republicans and Conservative Democrats. See: The Middle Majority: I Remember Liberal Republicans.

I also remember a time when conservatives wanted good government, as did liberals. They differed about the roll of the national government and state/local governments in making and implementing public policies. Conservatives emphasized the roll of local governments, while liberals favored an increased roll by the national government.

Today, conservative politicians and talk show hosts are anti-government, while liberal politicians and talk show hosts are pro-government, but few argue for good government. And, the US is the worse for it.