Social cons coping with new reality that fiscal issues take precedence

But as Daniels’s stature as an economic messenger has risen, so, too, has the amount of maneuvering room he seems to have with social conservatives.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who described Daniels’s initial comment as “heartbreaking,” told reporters on a recent conference call that the Hoosier may actually have been stating the obvious — that the economy will be the driving force in the 2012 campaign.

“I understand that the issues that may be front and center are economic issues,” said Huckabee, adding: “It’s possible for conservatives to walk and chew gum at the same time.”

Top activists concede that social issues are likely to be dealt with in a different fashion — and likely for more selective audiences — in a campaign dominated by the economy.