The Centrist Political Movement

The panelists talked to students about the Centrist movement and its development over time. According to a Voter New Service poll, the number of American voters who consider themselves moderates rose from 36 percent in 1980 to 50 percent in the year 2000. From the nation’s founding fathers who cautioned against political extremism, to present day political individualists who have fought for issues contrary to their party’s leadership, the polarization of American politics has spurred new growth in moderate ideology. Topics included how Centrists have been able to make change where Republicans and Democrats have not; how Centrists balance idealism and realism; and some of the major criticisms against the Centrist movement. The panelists responded to questions from students in the audience. close