Progressive Fix: Centrists of the World Unite

[SeattleGirl]

December 13, 2010
by Will Marshall

It’s no secret that the relentless polarization of U.S. politics has left independent and moderate voters politically homeless. Today a bipartisan group of activists gathers in New York to launch an effort to organize this “radical center” and amplify its voice in Washington.

No Labels is the brainchild of Nancy Jacobson, a veteran Democratic activist and fundraiser. Its organizers include veteran political players from both parties of a distinctly pragmatic, non-doctrinaire bent (including yours truly). It aims to build an online network of Americans – imagine a MoveOn.Org for centrists – who are fed up with the nation’s dysfunctional political system and want to do something about it.

<snip>

According to a new poll by Allstate/National Journal Heartland Monitor, only 10 percent of Independents welcome the GOP victory as a chance to roll back government. Seventy percent said neither party’s agenda alone can solve the nation’s problems. This poll confirms other recent surveys in finding a strong preference for bipartisan cooperation over confrontation. President Obama’s tax-cut deal shows he’s gotten the message.

<snip>

For now, it’s enough to say that the problems No Labels seeks to solve are real enough. There’s no question we need a broad civic mobilization to bring intense pressure to bear on our political leaders to work together to solve the nation’s problems. Independents and moderates may be an inchoate political force, but there are lots of them. If No Labels can get even a fraction of them mobilized for political action, Washington will take notice.

Link: http://www.progressivefix.com/centrists-...orld-unite

I wonder if they'll have any luck with this.

[Cha]

I don't think "it shows that Pres Obama has gotten the message from his tax deal"..he didn't like it either so not good to start out on a false premise.

Imv, those who want to roll back government don't understand what a tragic mess bush-cheney left it so that Pres Obama had no choice. Of course the US corporate "media" thinks it's their job is to make sure Americans aren't wise to the plundering of republicons.

[NYC Liberal]

(12-13-2010 10:39 PM)Cha Wrote:  I don't think "it shows that Pres Obama has gotten the message from his tax deal"..he didn't like it either so not good to start out on a false premise.

Imv, those who want to roll back government don't understand what a tragic mess bush-cheney left it so that Pres Obama had no choice. Of course the US corporate "media" thinks it's their job is to make sure Americans aren't wise to the plundering of republicons.

What I wonder is why, before Obama even appeared on the scene as a presidential candidate, most people agreed that it was going to take YEARS to undo Bush's mess(es) because of just how much shit he had done -- yet now, it's expected that everything be fine and dandy after only not even halfway through his term?

[Cha]

(12-14-2010 01:02 AM)NYC Liberal Wrote:  

(12-13-2010 10:39 PM)Cha Wrote:  I don't think "it shows that Pres Obama has gotten the message from his tax deal"..he didn't like it either so not good to start out on a false premise.

Imv, those who want to roll back government don't understand what a tragic mess bush-cheney left it so that Pres Obama had no choice. Of course the US corporate "media" thinks it's their job is to make sure Americans aren't wise to the plundering of republicons.

What I wonder is why, before Obama even appeared on the scene as a presidential candidate, most people agreed that it was going to take YEARS to undo Bush's mess(es) because of just how much shit he had done -- yet now, it's expected that everything be fine and dandy after only not even halfway through his term?

A)..they really did think Obama was magic or
B)..they need to take ginkgo biloba for their memory enhancement.

[Treestar]

(12-14-2010 01:02 AM)NYC Liberal Wrote:  What I wonder is why, before Obama even appeared on the scene as a presidential candidate, most people agreed that it was going to take YEARS to undo Bush's mess(es) because of just how much shit he had done -- yet now, it's expected that everything be fine and dandy after only not even halfway through his term?

Their expiration comes from the bush years and is part of the problem Obama is dealing with. the fact the tax cuts expire is part of the problem. Obama has a problem with just letting them expire on the middle class. Bush created this poison pill for any President who came after him (including the PL's heroes)

[Willinois]

I imagine that their protest chants aren't easy.

What do we want?
A little less than what that other group wants!
When do we want it?
In stages at a time that seems practical!