There was a brief period in the 50s, 60s, and 70s where there was at least broad agreement on core social services and a fairer tax code. The tax code under Ike had a high marginal rate of 90% on the highest earners (with lots of loopholes).

But I agree completely with your main point - Nixon proposed a national health service, but he was no friend to minorities or women. I think back then, Republicans simply didn't think they could resist the tide. It's not unlike how things are today, only these days, it's Democrats who won't try to push back against things like insanely low taxes for the wealth class.

America has gone full right wing, despite all the yelps about socialism from the never happy right wing that is dominating politics and media these days.