1-2) The CONGRESSIONAL Party switch occurred more slowly than Nixon would have liked, SURE...but PRESIDENTIAL politics were the goal and on some level Reagan and the traditionally pro-Fascist forces re-took the South - Carter probably confused the hicks too - who to vote for....him (GA),or Ford (MI)? Also RACISTS of both parties tend to blur lines and a "Consrrvative DEMOCRAT" like say a Zoell Milller took a while to die off and be replaced by a 'less polite' type of AH.
So, no. Calling DEMOCRATS Racist (when they are - and like most white folks, they tend towards that often [even if ONLY UNCONSCIOUSLY, and alas that doesn't work as an excuse anymore - once it's been explained to you] when not well-educated, conscious, and HIGHLY MINDFULL of everything they do.) is nothing new. I do it far to often to WORK in my chosen field. Does that stop me? Whuduhyouthink. But Dem Racism is FUNDENTALLY different from GOP tacism - in that it is the covert or Unintendecd result of various policies - which were usually offered in.tbe nominal spirit of good will at least. GOP racism is an ORGANIZING FORCE and GOAL.
Which is why you COULD do a little bit of research - into the GOP "Ethnic Outreach" efforts which appear to have occurred from NIXON to the FIRST BUSH-LEAGUER PRESIDENT. That is...the GOP hired Eurasian region NAZI paperclip emigree' types to OUTREACH - to people from countries near RUSSIA - to do what GOP types do - rally support using FEAR. In this case the fear of our Competitor for title holder of "EVIL EMPIRE" - not automatically the dark skinned other in our midst.....but who.knows what some research will turn up about the nature of their appeal...
It was documented in a mainstream news source - as conveyed in a footnote from a well noted/transcribed version of AC's MOCKINGBIRD work... But he seems to have taken a lot down for reasons he gives on his report - so here some links for you to follow --IF YOU HAVE THE INTELLECTUAL CURIOUSITY NEEDED for that task.
http://alexconstantine.blogspot.com/2007/08/cable-pioneer-jim-cownie-on-video.html?m=1
http://www.constantinereport.com/death-mockingbird-cia-propagandist-richard-mellon-scaife-nyt-obit/
The GOP hires NOBODYs for party chair....because they're secretaries and BAG MEN for Billionaires....not strategists. The apology came out during the residency of the LAST actual member of the BUSH LEAGUE to hold the office. Who can remember their names? Not me.
Character limit. More links follow.