The leadership of the [Republican] party -- the Bill Brocks, Howard Bakers and Bob Packwoods -- are quite anxious to avoid controversial issues. They seem to say: "We can't do anything as a party on those kinds of issues, because our people have different opinions and views." Consequently, the party comes across as weak and bland.

The Democrats, on the other hand, come across as strong -- and the people love strength. They may not agree with them all the time, but they appreciate strength. The Republican Party runs from a fight -- like the Panama Canal treaties. The Democrats throw themselves into a fight. And with people losing confidence in most of our institutions, including government, they at least appreciate fighters.

Source: Raising Millions Of Dollars for Conservatives -- The Way It's Done: Interview With Richard Viguerie, Expert on Fund Raising by Direct Mail. U.S. News & World Report. February 26, 1979.