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The Centrist Myth of the Progressive Ideologue
Centrists, both Democrats and Republicans, often frame progressives as unrealistic ideologues. This idea is as false as it is widespread. One of the most oft repeated myths of American political discourse is part 1) the center of the American political spectrum is the best place to govern from because part 2) it seeks compromise and a big tent. The corollary is that progressives, being more ideological, eschew compromise and seek to impose their out of step ideas on the American people. It is a disingenuous attempt to sideline progressives.
The first ploy is to frame progressive goals as out of step with the American public. Here’s Democratic convention speaker John Kasich making just this point: “People on the extreme, whether they’re on the left or on the right, they get outsized publicity that tends to define their party… You know, I listen to people all the time make these statements, and because AOC gets outsized publicity doesn’t mean she represents the Democratic Party. She’s just a part, just some member of it.” John Kasich opines the centrist position that the middle is inherently best and most representative of the American people. He is wrong. Polling data on three progressive issues, Medicare for All, increased focus on renewable energy, and cannabis legalization, show why: a Gallup poll found that 65% of Democrats (42% of Americans) favored a…
