Pragmatic Politics and the "Move to the Center"

It's time for adults to rule in Washington. The great majority of Americans who do not blindly support either political party demand it. Structural deficits. Enormous wealth imbalances. Failing schools and public institutions. Moderates in America are right to demand these problems be addressed.

But the great horse race debate engages the two poles of the discussion in a vitriolic hate-fest, blinded by ideology and righteousness. The media pokes, films and repeats -- with flavoring suited to increasingly segregated audiences hungry for the dirt on their sworn enemies in government.

Enough already.

I've argued in the past that third parties will not help bring us out of the mess. But that doesn't mean that the so-called "middle" in American politics does not hold enormous sway over the power of the two parties.

While partisan zealots have enormous power over the outcome of party primaries, the general election belongs to independents. Especially high turnout by party members can push a "wave" election, but the swing voter determines the outcomes of close purple races. And close purple races are where federal politics are decided.

Pragmatic Americans should withhold their votes from candidates who refuse to address the real problems we face with seriousness and flexibility. Moderates should demand of their candidates some simple admissions.

Democrats must admit:

• Some problems are best solved with market solutions
• Some government programs have outlived their usefulness
• Some government regulation is harmful to American prosperity
• Demographic politics are divisive and ignore our real problems as Americans.

Republicans must admit:

• Some problems are best solved with government solutions
• Some new government programs are necessary to solve new problems
• Some government regulation is helpful to American security, health and prosperity
• Oil is finite. Gas prices will soon exceed $7/gallon. We must act now to find alternatives.
• Our schools, energy and transportation network are outdated and in urgent need of repair.

Any politician unwilling to make these simple concessions is not prepared to lead us through these difficult times.