I have been pondering this question about a political platform with broad appeal. I could draft something that appeal to most swing voters, but I realized the crux of the issue is whether the hardcore right or left would sign on too.
The conservatives had two chances to build a lasting majority (Reagan and Bush, Jr.) and failed. Their domestic, economic and foreign policies don't survive the 8-12 year tenure their presidents have achieved (apart from judicial appointments). But the hardcore 20-25% of the electorate that still follows that dream, call them the Fox voters, seems uninterested in compromise and consensus.
The liberals saw their dream fade after the 1960's, even though many of their key ideas became lasting government programs, legislation and judicial precedents. Their only success came with one charismatic politician, Bill Clinton. Most of the rest inspired a knee-jerk "yuck!" reaction among moderates and possible Republican crossover voters. Now the MoveOn/TruthOut "progressive" movement wants a new, energized leftist crusade. But they are so out of touch with the centrist voter that they just come across as angry and scary.
Not being a big proponent of either camp, I really don't know how many would put aside the CRUSADE for the sake of more moderate national unity. So many people have been indoctrinated with zero-sum politics nowadays. And for the faithful, anyone who isn't on their side is not only different, they are "far right" or "far left".
The activists desperately want to believe they are mainstream when history has shown very clearly they are not, not for long at any rate.
I suspect it will take a combination of the right personality combined with public readiness to be fed up with the partisan bashing and reach out for a different political style. I don't see that potential in most of the well-known political names out there. So I am not sure how much difference the platform would make. |
