A ‘Moderate’ Problem for Republicans, Democrats and Palin
EmailABC's Stu Schutzman reports from New York: Webster defines “moderate” as one “avoiding extremes of behavior or expression.” In the political “big tent” era, it’s become a label we liberally toss around. But is there really such an animal as a “moderate” Republican or Democrat or is the word itself antithetical to the political philosophies of both parties? The late George Carlin might have joked, “Oh, they’re moderates — they’re semi-pro choice.” Joking aside, for some politicians “moderate” is merely a euphemism for liberal (the dreaded L word) Republican or conservative Democrat. To those trying to rein in the big tent, both are considered to be outside party lines. Sarah Palin and other like-minded Republicans mounted a withering attack recently against so-called “moderate” Republican Dede Scozzafava during her run for Congress in New York’s 23rd. They were intent on sending a message to the GOP that only pure Republicans need apply. Conservative candidate Doug Hoffman was made to order, described by Salon’s Mike Madden as “ideologically untainted.” Scozzafava was forced to quit the race resulting yesterday in a Democrat winning the seat for the first time in more than a century. Not a problem for Conservative activist Erik Erickson — “We did exactly what we set out to do,” he writes in Redstate.com, ”crush the establishment backed GOP candidate.” The Democratic establishment has its “moderate” cross to bear as well. They’re the so-called Blue Dogs, some actually more right wing than many Republicans. Still, the Democratic establishment supported many of their candidacies in conservative districts just to win the seat; build up the numbers in Congress. Worry about trying to govern with them later. Well, as Democrats trying to pass health care reform legislation are finding out — sometimes later comes sooner than expected. The question is how much tolerance is there in either party for so-called moderates, centrists, liberals, conservatives or, for that matter, anyone who doesn’t quite fit the mold.
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A candidate supported and backed by ACORN and the Daily Kos can hardly be considered a moderate. Just more spin from the left.
Posted by: betsy | November 4, 2009, 3:03 pm 3:03 pm
There are cafeteria republicans and democrats alike. Most people will pick what they like and discard the rest.
People are not programmed to fit some mode.
There are some people, however, that make it their life’s work to go to extremes in all cases. They are either being stubborn or psychotic (this type can be found in any party.)
Posted by: ddg | November 4, 2009, 3:09 pm 3:09 pm
***The question is how much tolerance is there in either party for so-called moderates, centrists, liberals, conservatives or, for that matter, anyone who doesn’t quite fit the mold.***
Without considering any party at all, generally speaking there is more tolerance for “moderates” in a political party based on how much of a majority that party enjoys in the current scene.
If there is an even split, then moderation rules because to do anything a portion from either side must be appeased. If, however, there is an imbalance one way or the other, the minority will hunker down in the defensive, depending on their base support, and wait for the majority to take the blame for what happens because of errors in judgement due to pride.
Posted by: bobtherepublican | November 4, 2009, 3:57 pm 3:57 pm
A moderate is someone who sees problems as complex and blind idealism as dangerous. Conservatism and Liberalism at their core are intolerant of opposing views. They feel threatened. Liberals and Conservatives will never agree on a solution which leads to stagnation…and that is where this country is right now…stagnated. It is the moderates who must step forward and bridge the gap….Unfortunately, one party considers moderates as weak and wants to purify their party by getting rid of them….That is sad…
Posted by: indy_voter | November 4, 2009, 4:07 pm 4:07 pm
Where do I send money to get ACORN and the Daily Kos to back Mike Castle, Mark Kirk, and Charlie Crist? I would love to see these ‘true conservatives’ decide to ruin Republican chances in a race that actually matters.
Posted by: jhw539 | November 4, 2009, 4:11 pm 4:11 pm
A generation ago, both the Republicans and Democrats had liberals and conservatives alike. It seems that now, the parties are no longer “big tents.” I think that is a huge loss for us as a nation. I’m old school conservative (in other words, NOT a NeoCon). Was a time when I could have fit in either party, depending on other political and social views. Now, I’m stuck in the Republican party, mostly because the Democrats have made it abundantly clear there is no room in their tent for me.
Posted by: lovedori | November 4, 2009, 4:18 pm 4:18 pm
A general marker for “Moderate” is intangible now. Social vs fiscal vs nationalist vs ? If you are a social liberal there is no place in the Republican party. If you are a fiscal conservative there is no place in the Democratic party. If you are a nationalist you are an outcast. I am an independent because neither party represents everything that is important to me. So my vote ends up going for the candidate that insults my several values the least.
Posted by: TX_MBell | November 4, 2009, 4:26 pm 4:26 pm
A lot of the words used to describe politicians are meaningless, but moderate is particularly so. The only thing that really matters is that corporations essentially control the actions of the government, no matter the party or their ideology. That goes for both Republicans and Democrats. Just take a cursory look at Max Baucus’s top contributors and then who would have benefited from his bill, and you won’t doubt it.
Posted by: CP | November 4, 2009, 4:35 pm 4:35 pm
Only moderates, are going to be taken seriously, in these times.
Anyone who is too conservative (bible thumping, anti-gay, extremists), or too liberal, (fiscally irresponsible bleeding hearts), is going to find tough going in 2010.
The independents are growing, and we are not happy with either GOP, nor Dems.
Posted by: Rick McDaniel | November 4, 2009, 5:10 pm 5:10 pm
Ironic that Reps complain that they want a “bipartisan” health care bill, but in truth they can’t even be bipartisan within their own party. They want things the right-wing way or nothing.
The libs and cons in the Dem party are working to bring home a bill, but the Reps would rather lose a district that they have held for almost two centuries than have a “bipartisan” or a truly independent candidate.
Posted by: OB-Wan222 | November 4, 2009, 5:18 pm 5:18 pm
The republican Moosiah. Keep on backing candidates, Palin, and Dems will keep on picking up seats. Wink, wink…you betcha!
Posted by: pamp205 | November 4, 2009, 6:21 pm 6:21 pm
“pure republicans” as in “pure white” lol. Sarah Palin you are a LOSER. Go home to your family and raise your very young children, they need you…..We don’t!
Posted by: sara | November 4, 2009, 6:33 pm 6:33 pm
It is amazing what idiot moonbat lefties think that Pslin has any real influence. Talk about stupid. Duhhh!
Posted by: jonny | November 4, 2009, 6:52 pm 6:52 pm
Folks we must stop supporting this 2 party duopoly. By its very nature it is Un-American. Think for yourselves!!
Posted by: Al | November 4, 2009, 6:58 pm 6:58 pm
HaHaHaHa. To funny. The right wingnuts lost.
Posted by: Jim Bob | November 4, 2009, 7:13 pm 7:13 pm
Article in the St. Petersburg , FL Times Newspaper on Sunday
Instead of giving billions of dollars to companies that will squander the money on lavish parties and unearned bonuses, use the following plan. You can call it the Patriotic Retirement Plan:
There are about 40 million people over 50 in the work force. Pay them $1 million apiece severance for early retirement with the following stipulations:
1) They MUST retire. Forty million job openings -
Unemployment fixed.
2) They MUST buy a new American CAR. Forty million cars ordered-
Auto Industry fixed.
3) They MUST either buy a house or pay off their mortgage-
Housing Crisis fixed.
It can’t get any easier than that!
If more money is needed, have all members of Congress and the Senate pay their taxes…
Sincerely,
A. Taxpayer
Posted by: Pam | November 4, 2009, 7:37 pm 7:37 pm
Every issue should be on the public ballot written in short common form not legal book length jargon full of exclusions, exceptions and several issues in one that leaves room for loopholes and dispute. Every issue should be on the public ballot; gun control or not, abortion or not, bailing out the financial institutes and car companies or give every employee over 50 $1 million with the above stipulation, the death penalty or not, mandatory insurance or hold companies who’s products are linked to all major diseases accountable: the producer’s of soda’s, candy pastries,msg, chips, cig’s, alcohol, etc and take some responsibility ourselves etc. All issues should be on the ballot and the popular vote MUST RULE.
The very best way to cut government spending is to eliminate every political position except that of the President and that position should be redefined as follows; Responsibilities are National Security, World affairs, promoting world peace.
ARE YOU READY FOR THIS, One randomly selected issue writer from each state would be hired. ARE YOU READY FOR THIS, Issues would then be placed on the public ballot. ARE YOU READY FOR THIS, the public votes. ARE YOU READY FOR THIS, the public vote rules!!! OMG, What a concept!!! ARE YOU READY!!!!!!
This is THE RIGHT THAT AMERICANS fight and die for, this is our right as American’s. Politician’s have taken that right from us only because we are letting them!!!!
Posted by: Pam | November 4, 2009, 7:40 pm 7:40 pm
How anyone can knock Palin when the Dems have Pelosi is beyond me.
Posted by: Bill | November 4, 2009, 8:06 pm 8:06 pm
The whole concept of ideological purity is a lame excuse for those who are unable or unwilling to do the hard work involved in thinking for oneself. Make a choice on the merits of an issue, NOT what some talking head TELLS you.
Posted by: AGB | November 4, 2009, 8:25 pm 8:25 pm
Here’s the thing about politics in the US:
When the Democrats lose an election, they stop, dust themselves off, and say, “Next time around I’m really going to do more to reach out to the people on the right.”
When the Republicans lose an election, they stop, dust themselves off, and say, “Next time around I’m really going to do more to reach out to the people on the right.”
Posted by: mullingitover | November 4, 2009, 8:28 pm 8:28 pm
So in other words: “Get in line or get out!” Jeez whatever happened to diversity of thought? As for NY hell she was a Democrat, and endorsed a Democrat? Is it wrong for Republicans to want Republicans to be running for thier parties nomination? I think not. You think the Democrats would support Bush Democracts… Oh wait, big government and support for multiple illegal wars… Hell that’s Nancy Pelosi!!! My bad…
Posted by: jafo | November 4, 2009, 8:44 pm 8:44 pm
“But is there really such an animal as a “moderate” Republican or Democrat or is the word itself antithetical to the political philosophies of both parties?”
The far-right is so extreme that it has labored to shift the meaning of “conservative” to represent their point of view. Note that Europe has major “Conservative” Parties and the Clintons would properly belong to the right-wing in any of them. Our right-wing would -seriously- be under government surveillance for the threats to society they are.
Posted by: The_Mick | November 4, 2009, 8:50 pm 8:50 pm
Maybe… and this is WAY out there, folks… maybe its time for the US to have a legitimate 3rd political party – a centrist party that’s more interested in cooperation and holding a moderate course than either the radical left or right. I bet if all the left and right leaning moderates came out from under the two big tents, they would be a majority.
The way things are now, nothing ever changes – any significant change made by one party is torn down when the succeeding party takes office like a giant pendulum.
Posted by: Idea Guy | November 4, 2009, 9:15 pm 9:15 pm
Obams is Chauncey Gardiner
(Chance the Gardener)
Slowly being exposed!
Posted by: JP | November 4, 2009, 9:23 pm 9:23 pm
Moderate is pragmatic. Something that appears to be severely lacking anymore and gee, look how well this country is doing.
Posted by: secondlook | November 4, 2009, 9:35 pm 9:35 pm
mullingitover, you said it all.
Posted by: Ted Voth Jr | November 4, 2009, 10:11 pm 10:11 pm
You can say the same about the Democrat Party. Unless you tow the line of extremists like Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Barack Obama, Chuck Schumer, Diane Feinstein, and Barabara Boxer, then you are labeled a “blue dog”. What the Democrats did to Joe Lieberman by pushing him away is no different. If the Democrats aren’t the party of extremism, why are pro-life Democrats now a thing of the past? Why are there scant Democrats who believe in traditional marriage? They have become the party of the extreme left. Republicans, in turn are now pushing back. They’ve seen Democrats push their Party to the far left, so they’re now answering in kind to compensate for the political left tilt.
Posted by: Tom | November 4, 2009, 10:22 pm 10:22 pm
Sarah Palin is a loser and a quitter. She is failure personified. All talk and substance. can she still see Russia fromn Alaska?
Posted by: what667 | November 4, 2009, 10:36 pm 10:36 pm
Pam,
The retirement plan sounds great! Now, if only the government had $40 TRILLION. And taking all those productive people out of the workforce couldn’t possibly have a negative impact on the economy in the long run.
Oh, and the idea of having everything appear on the ballot is great too. I’d love having to vote on several thousand different measures every election day.
Posted by: kemperb | November 5, 2009, 12:19 am 12:19 am
It’s very suspicious that T-Mobile network was down for most of yesterday on election day in America. That caused immense problems for communications with physicians, hospitals, and others heatlh care agencies who were trying to convey information about elderly health care and illnesses within families. The conservative party of America has gone off the deep end and caused immense problems for those not involved in political campaigns, but needed to have open lines of communications with those who are extremely ill, fragile, and vulnerable. It was irresponsible on the part of a person called “Erik” who apparently started this problem who is also apparently involved in the conservative republican party. This was not only unprofessional but criminal at best. This must be investigated at the highest level of government to ensure this doesn’t occur again ever. Lives are at stake other than politcal parties and politcal polarization for the sake of a “pure” ideology. Health isn’t ideology, it’s life or death and its physical, emotional, living and breathing human beings. Who cares about the Conservative Republican party who calls themselves Christian — what’s Christian about making communications difficult between very sick individuals, health care providers, and family members? Disgusting and sorry individuals should be imprisoned for life without any communications with the outside public ever. This caused major disruption and isn’t a funny prank. This was criminal and an act of terror for the sake of a party that terrorizes citizens in America. They are a cult with an agenda to keep Americans enslaved to their way of thinking. It’s extortion.
Posted by: Elle | November 5, 2009, 12:41 am 12:41 am
Why do our news outlets continue to report on Democrats and Republicans? It’s quite obvious now that neither party has the solutions our country needs.
Posted by: Henry | November 5, 2009, 2:18 am 2:18 am
If I was a democrat, I would not be proud of your candidate winning with a very small margin against a late entry third party candidate. Hoffman was also 3rd on the list of candidates on the voting form. So dont pat yourselves on the backs.
Posted by: coastlinecascott | November 5, 2009, 4:04 am 4:04 am
Moderates are a bit like “nominal” Christians, they use the party name but don’t follow the plan.
Posted by: Ed Taylor | November 5, 2009, 10:37 am 10:37 am
She was endorsed by the ACORN party, she endorsed the Democrat, she was even endorsed by the Daily Kos because they said she was farther to the left than the Dem. When are the people in the media going to quit pushing the “Dede Scozzafava was a moderate myth”? Oh, wait they can’t because they need it to keep up their “civil war in the Republican Party” myth.
Posted by: Not a Moderate | November 5, 2009, 11:19 am 11:19 am
“When the Democrats lose an election, they stop, dust themselves off, and say, “Next time around I’m really going to do more to reach out to the people on the right”
Yeah, sure thing. Which is why immediately after they got trounced in VA and NJ., Dems like Pelosi and the nutbars on the Daily Kos were claiming it was because those candidates were not far enough to the left. Corzine not far enough to the left? Give me a break. Face it Dems, you got killed on Tuesday, and it wasn’t because you weren’t “progressive” enough.
PS Using the term progressive to describe a party that pushes 70 year old plans is a total joke.
Posted by: Not a Moderate | November 5, 2009, 11:21 am 11:21 am
You want to know why the public option isn’t going to pass the Senate? Because it is going to be filibustered by Lieberman. You know why? Because he lost in a primary and the Dems supported Ned Lamont. Who has the real “civil war” problem?
And health care has not passed in the House or Senate not because of the Republicans but because the Dems can’t agree on it. The “Progressive Caucus” has been insulting the Blue Dogs and calling for primary challenges, Arlen Specter is going to lose in a primary, Baucus condemned, and voted against, the cap and trade in the committee, consevative Dems are making it be known they don’t like the Public option, and Harry Reid pretty much admitted the Health Bill would be passed off until 2010 and people are actually trying to claim it is the Republicans who are having a civil war? Give me a huge break.
Posted by: ObamaisCarter | November 5, 2009, 11:26 am 11:26 am
What is truly hilarious is how the Dems on here are acting like a loss in NY-23 is somehow worse than the hugely embarrassing losses they suffered in NY and VA. Sorry, but the only people buying that are Obamabots.
PS Good luck on getting that health care bill past a filibuster. I am laughing about it already, losers.
Posted by: Hahaha | November 5, 2009, 11:28 am 11:28 am
Why didn’t the press have a story like this when Lieberman was kicked off the ballot by the likes of Obama and Clinton. A moderate Democrat. Talk about bias.
Posted by: jack | November 5, 2009, 11:54 am 11:54 am