What is the political center

[Roshan]

I was just wondering what exactly is the political center. Apparently presidetns should aim for the political center to have a higher chance to be re-elected, but what is it. I have heard a lot about it, however I don't understand what it is. Can someone please explain to me what the political center represents and what it is important. Thank You.

 

[Kibbo]

From a Canadian perspective of your country:

The right would consist of those who favour small government, de-centralized government (ie. State Rights,) tax cuts, a strong military, strong law and order, markets free from government interference, unilateral U.S. sovereignty, and traditional family values, with a dash of Christianity thrown in, pro-business, privatization.

The left would favour social programs, a strong federal government, progressive taxation (ie. tax the rich, give to the poor,) other spending priorities sometimes higher than the military, a rehabilitative justice system, regulation of buisnesses for the greater good, internationalism, liberal secular values, multiculturalism, pro-labour, nationlization.

Of course, you can find both Democratic and Republican compromises on all those topics.

The center would be a moderate position on all those values. Limited regulation,only for important stuff; federalism over state rights in some cases; some welfare, but not a huge amount of wealth transfer between the classes; a strong military, but not spending too much money on it; a justice system that tries to rehabilitate, but keeps in mind punishment. Probably a pragmatic approach to international affairs. Probably saying as little as possible on moral issues, too many people think they are black and white.

It's a hard thing to pin down, partly because the pendulum is always swinging between the two sides.

Hope that helped.

 

[onelove]

isn't it in Iowa?

 

[sandorski]

I don't think it's easy to define really, as the Center is actually quite wide usually and not an exact Point. It also varies depending on what Country is examined: One Countries Center could be more Right/Left than another Country's.

I have a theory on the US's Center. If there is a Center Point in the US, I propose that it is Libertarian. The reasoning behind this is that if you examine the Right and Left in the US, you'll find that they each promote some Libertarian ideals. The Ideals each promote are different than the other though, almost as if they divied up Libertarion Ideals between them. [/conspiracy mode light]

 

[Fingolfin269]

Usually anyone you agree with is in the center. Anyone you disagree with is an extremist left/right winger. At least that seems to be the definition here.

 

[Roshan]

See, that's what I thought; it was kind of being in between. However, I was confused recenlty when I saw a past HBO special of comedian George Carlin. Carlin is neither Republican or Democratic, he hates poloitics, but he had this one-liner in his special. The line was "F*ck the Political Center." Why would he say this, when in reality he technically is in the middle because he hates everything. I don't understand why a person like George CArlin would say F*ck the Political CEnter

 

[CADsortaGUY]

Originally posted by: Roshan
See, that's what I thought; it was kind of being in between. However, I was confused recenlty when I saw a past HBO special of comedian George Carlin. Carlin is neither Republican or Democratic, he hates poloitics, but he had this one-liner in his special. The line was "F*ck the Political Center." Why would he say this, when in reality he technically is in the middle because he hates everything. I don't understand why a person like George CArlin would say F*ck the Political CEnter

You answered your own question. I bolded it for you.

CkG

 

[Painman]

The social political center in this country IMO is truly at center, ie. the zero point of the line, but the fiscal political center of this country is somewhat to the right of that since as a whole the US is rather averse to Communism and strong socialism. Thus the left side of that line is truncated.

 

[DeeKnow]

Originally posted by: Fingolfin269
Usually anyone you agree with is in the center. Anyone you disagree with is an extremist left/right winger. At least that seems to be the definition here.

i'll drink to that...:beer:

 

[Stunt]

Centrist is typically someone who respects the rights and social principles that all citizens can agree with...minorities, rich, poor, etc. This is the compassionate aspect of the Centrist. Also the centrist feels that efficient, moderately sized, fiscal government is paramount. Just enough government to hold the core beliefs and social aspects in line but enough freedom for businesses and the economy to flourish.

In canada we have 3 main parties, all fairly centrist (all socially responsible and fiscal): centre right: progressive conservatives, centre: liberals, centre left: new democrats. All hold power in at least one of the 10 provinces.