I respectfully disagree.
Will Democrats come to vote for Obama:
Because of the economy?
Because of gas prices?
Because of unemployment?
Because of the deficits?
No. Not really.
Will Democrats come out to vote because of gays, abortion, contraception and trampling on religious freedom?
In droves.
Republicans will come out in force to vote against Obama no matter what. Democrats are not nearly as enthusiastic about Obama this time around UNLESS there is something that can motivate them to come out. That something is social issues.
Social issues motivate conservatives as well but we are already motivated to vote. Don’t give Democrats a reason to want to vote for Obama as well. Let them stay home on election day.
Democrats are going to be motivated to vote no matter what. Obama has given them everything they wanted if not more. The race card alone will probably be enough to make them turn out again.
It’s the moderates and independents who might be motivated based on the economic factors you’re talking about. But they are all over the map on social issues. There’s no clear gain or loss to be had on that front.
Republican turnout has been a huge problem in this primary so far. There’s no guarantee they’re automatically going to show up at the polls either without motivation.
There are also a lot of voters like Catholics in all parties who are liberal on economics and like what Obama’s doing there, but could be motivated to vote Republican based on social issues like what Obama’s doing to the church now.
You’re also taking a huge gamble that the economy DOESN’T recover. Economic issues might not work AT ALL this election. And if you think that’s the only way Republicans can win an election, you’re wrong.