Centrist Candidates

AMERICAN POLITICS has historically operated outside of the international mainstream. Since the 19th century, European political parties have evolved along fairly narrow ideological paths that reflect the entire political spectrum from far right to far left. These parties accept democratic principles and processes, however, there are exceptions on the fringes of both the far right and far left that at times have drawn considerable support. A strong social and environmental political dynamic remain in the party mix. On the right, the fascist/nationalist movements, and the anarchic/communist movements on the left, share an opposition to bourgeois democracy. In order to oppose such tendencies, more moderate majorities are necessary in order [Page 116]to govern, especially in parliamentary systems where a multitude of parties operate. Often, absolute single-party majorities are difficult to achieve. This has meant a reliance on coalition building so that a government can be formed.

In practice, this type of politics has created center-left coalitions, particularly in Europe, as the basic governing unit. This center-left pattern has led to party programs geared to social democratic platforms and a mixed economy with nationalized as well as private ownership. There is also a significant degree of government social intervention and regulation in all areas of community life. This mix has not been seen in America, nor has there been an American party tradition that has had a rigid ideological core, nor one that has accepted such a social democratic basis for government or the economy. American socialist and communist parties have never gained more than inconsequential fringe support. Therefore, the very idea of centrism in American politics lies far to the right of what many in Europe would consider as centrist. Both of America's ruling parties, the Republicans and the Democrats, share basic tenets more reflective of classical political and economic liberalism. There have been occasional forays into populism but these have never lasted or been particularly radical.

From the 1930s on, the role of the federal government has steadily increased, as has the role of the presidency. Government does more things and intervenes more frequently with policies; however it has never challenged the fundamentals of the capitalist economy and America's reliance upon individualism. Both the Republican and the Democratic Parties have adapted to the changes introduced from 1933 until 1945 by Democratic President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. In addition, the parties, during the 1950s and 1960s, offered more similarities than differences, and therefore the argument could be made that both are part of the centrist tradition, but in a uniquely American context. Liberals and conservatives have also operated easily within the different wings of each party without the need to establish alternative parties that were more ideologically consistent.

Since the 1960s, conservatism has been resurgent within the Republican Party, whereas within the Democratic Party the liberal wing has gained many more adherents. When these more liberal forces gain the upper hand, such as in the 1972 George McGovern campaign, it has generally led to a Republican landslide. Ronald Reagan's 1980 victory saw the conservative Republican base take charge of Republican policies and helped shape the party's direction for the next decade. Furthermore, Democratic defeats during the 1980s followed the party's move away from the center towards a more liberal agenda. Yet by the 1990s, the Democratic Party found candidate Bill Clinton, who could finesse both conservatives and liberals within his own party. This decade also saw the strongest showing by a third-party independent, Ross Perot, and his Reform Party movement. Perot purported to be a populist centrist in his political orientation, and therefore free from the extreme wings that influenced the Republicans and Democrats. Perot's efforts helped to elect Clinton and defeat the moderate incumbent Republican, George H.W. Bush. The 1996 election again saw the appeal of moderation and centrist positions on all sides. Clinton maintained his midstream positions and the Republican candidate, Robert Dole, was equally moderate in his platform. With such a middle ground, Ross Perot's independent centrist claims were far less appealing to voters.

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