I think you are on to something.
While the Dems and the media constantly attempt to create a schism between conservatives and moderates (whoever they are), it seems inevitable that the Dem party is destined for a split between 1) the hard-core statists in coastal and urban areas who are now unafraid to openly espouse European - no, make that Greek - style socialism and 2) any poor buggers with a ‘D’ after their names who hail from red states. They and their constituents STILL believe that ‘Dems are for the werkin’ man’ and that it’s the party of Truman when in reality it is the party of Stalin.
It’s one thing to debate marginal tax rates or claim you will protect Social Security, quite another to explain why you are a member of a party that thinks gay marriage will somehow result in a stronger, more cohesive society.