Voters Need to Support Their Local Moderate
American public opinion in almost every way we can measure bunches up toward the moderate middle. Yet increasingly the tone of politics seems to invite and reward extremism. FrumForum examines whether it has to be so. We have asked a range of individuals who identify themselves as centrists (or are so identified by others) some questions about their politics.
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1) Would it be possible or desirable to create a broad consensus on the basics of public policy, either domestic or international?
I must say a resounding yes on both aspects – it is both possible and desirable to create a broad consensus on the basics of public policy.
2) On which domestic issues and international issues do people with whom you generally agree take positions that trouble you?
On domestic issues it is the social ones and for international matters it is protectionism.
3) On which domestic issues and international issues do people with whom you generally disagree take positions that you welcome?
On domestic matters, that would be balancing budgets. For the international piece, I would say the Millennium Challenge Corporation's approach to foreign aid.
4) Which issues are so important to you that you cannot envision compromising on them?
A woman's basic right to choose and the need to engage with the rest of the world.
5) Conversely have your political adversaries ever made arguments so compelling that they made you reconsider or revise long-held positions?
Medical marijuana is one issue where I can see both sides of the debate, and that is one issue where I have not yet made up my mind.
6) How can civility be brought back to political discourse?
The public has to send the message that policy is more important than politics by supporting officials and candidates who argue from the center and are willing to reach compromises to promote good public policy.
Click here to read other contributions to this symposium.