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zipplewrath

(16,646 posts)

37. Most people aren't centrists

Reply to alp227 (Reply #35)

Tue Apr 24, 2012, 11:59 AM

Apr 2012

30% in the "middle" the other 60% are split on either side. Elections are won by co-opting one half or the other of the 60% and combining it with as much of the 30% as you can. Said another way, you win elections by finding the middle and getting your half, plus "one more". A centrist party can be too easily divided from either the left or right.

The DLC/Third way group is basically doing what you are suggesting. They are runnning "on the middle" from the democratic party. Which is why they often sound like moderate republicans.

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37 replies

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Highlight:

Jon Huntsman Criticizes Republican Party, Compares Actions To Communist China [View all] Tax Man Apr 2012 OP

Yeah, but what would he know about China? What? He was? He does? Scuba Apr 2012 #1

Why don't you defect then, Jon? trusty elf Apr 2012 #2

He is just now figuring out this is how the GOP operates? liberal N proud Apr 2012 #3

easy solution John....we take new members! nt Laura PourMeADrink Apr 2012 #4

That's the problem zipplewrath Apr 2012 #19

Great post! Wind Dancer Apr 2012 #27

good point. If I was in a moderates shoes, though, I would think that moderating their side Laura PourMeADrink Apr 2012 #30

How about a Centrist Party for those who can't fit within D or R? alp227 Apr 2012 #35

Most people aren't centrists zipplewrath Apr 2012 #37

he is on MoJo right now nt Laura PourMeADrink Apr 2012 #5

He's obviously a closet moderate Republican. mwooldri Apr 2012 #6

No closet - Huntsman knows he's a moderate JustABozoOnThisBus Apr 2012 #11

Don't forget the f***ing Dixiecrats my friend. AverageJoe90 Apr 2012 #29

Lets not overdue the "moderate" thing too much. Daniel537 Apr 2012 #15

I think he's a closet sane conservative NewJeffCT Apr 2012 #20

A good friend of mine has done business wilt the stilt Apr 2012 #7

Or . . . is he in the right party? HughBeaumont Apr 2012 #12

Come over from the Dark Side, Jon n/t sarge43 Apr 2012 #8

yeah Tax Man Apr 2012 #34

To the relief of everyone, the RW decision to ridicule edgineered Apr 2012 #9

Huntsman is much more representitive of Republicans ..... marble falls Apr 2012 #10

I don't know about that. Daniel537 Apr 2012 #14

The average Republican is not happy with the choices the "Conservatives" ..... marble falls Apr 2012 #36

the republicans have the attack dogs in the tea party... madrchsod Apr 2012 #13

Irresponsible of huffpo to drop the C word just for shock value DireStrike Apr 2012 #16

Pssst, Jon! You read the memo wrong. tanyev Apr 2012 #17

Ah yes the only Republican in that party that I have any respect for and ZM90 Apr 2012 #18

I always thought he was the best pick of the field obxhead Apr 2012 #21

How Refreshing... BlueDemKev Apr 2012 #22

It's insulting for China... Mass Apr 2012 #23

Kind of like the article in the Onion iandhr Apr 2012 #24

And your a member of this party why? grantcart Apr 2012 #25

Because he actually agrees with them. Daniel537 Apr 2012 #26

Good question grantcart goclark Apr 2012 #28

So much for his VP chances RussBLib Apr 2012 #31

OMG !!! janx Apr 2012 #32

hmmm... "third party candidate". DCBob Apr 2012 #33