| | | Krugman says he calls "moderates" "centrists" because they aren't really moderate.
I agree, and think a little history will shows his reasoning.
In 1972, before your time, George McGovern, a fine man and a solid "progressive ran for president and was massacred only winning one state, against Nixon a horrible person. .
After that, the moderates in the party gained the upper hand, as it was clear the country was not sophisticated enough for a progressive candidate, and they held the upper hand until NOW.
The progressives are back..
The one exception would be Gore, who was a fine progressive, but he lost to Bush who played the homophobia card in Ohio.
But what did a moderate really mean? Humphrey was a moderate who also supported the Viet Nam war at a time when the progressives were protesting it in the streets in the 60's and brought down LBJ.
So what Krugman, who is very smart, is pointing out is that the "Democratic "moderates" sort of married the right wing to win elections, but in the process lost their soul.
Just look at the moderates opposing Biden's big stimulus bill and tax increases. They include people like:
" TEXAS ELECTIONS 2018
In the U.S. House, Democrat Henry Cuellar raises eyebrows by fundraising for Republican John Carter
Cuellar, who has served in the U.S. House since 2005, has long had a reputation as one of the chamber's most conservative Democrats. But Democratic leaders are hopeful MJ Hegar's bid against Carter gains traction.
Democrat Henry Cuellar raises eyebrows by fundraising for Republican John Carter | The Texas Tribune
|
|
