Earlier in the day, the Republicans approved a new party platform with little debate. The New York Times reports that for the first time the platform puts the party firmly on the record against legalized abortion, gay marriage and other forms of legal recognition for same-sex couples. The gay rights group Human Rights Campaign called the platform one of the “most discriminatory platforms in modern history.” On economic issues, the platform calls for the privatization of social security and for making President Bush’s tax cuts permanent. Democrats have accused the Republicans of trying to mask the conservative nature of the party’s platform by showcasing speakers who appeal to moderate voters such as Arnold Schwarzenegger who is speaking tonight. Meanwhile 17 former Republican office holders, including ex-senators and governors, have joined together to call on the GOP to “come back to the mainstream.” The group has taken out a full-page ad in the New York Times calling for the party to take more moderate stances on the environment, foreign policy and judicial appointments.