General Centrist Discussion Thread

[United Kingdom of Aitkenland]

So what makes one a centrist?

Modern centrists mostly lean left when it comes to social issues, but lean right when it comes to economic issues. However, it could be the opposite way around but neither are to the further half of either side of the political spectrum.

[Napkiraly]

I'm enjoying how all the poll options are centre-right.

[Brandenbourg-Anhalt]

I'm enjoying how all the poll options are centre-right.

I think it's because the thread actually started out as "Center-right Discussion Thread" but then the creator changed its name to "Centrist". He forgot to change the poll as well in the process

[Eol Sha]

So what makes one a centrist?

I believe the technical definition of a "perfect" centrist would be someone who is ideologically right between wanting a socialist economy and a libertarian economy (or they adhere to an equal amount of both), meaning they want an equal mixture of them. Socially, the said person would probably be right about in the middle between progressivism/liberalism and traditionalism/conservatism.

What exactly does that entail? On abortion, for example, what is the centrist position?

[Mike the Progressive]

There's already a right wing discussion thread, why did you make a centre-right discussion thread?

Right-winged=/=center right.

E.g. GOP =/= US Democratic Party

[Jochistan]

I consider myself Center Right.

I support Nationalism and moderate social conservatism, protecting traditional values, so long as the protection of traditional values doesn't violate the civil rights of people who don't harm society, such as Homosexuals.
For economic stances,
I think market based solutions to healthcare and the environment, so long as the government sees to it that those solutions help the public and am opposed to protectionism.

Some of my favorite political parties worldwide include.
Conservative Party of Canada, SDA, CHP, Kuomintang/KMT, Arab Socialist Union and Pakistan Awami Tehreek.

*steps off soapbox*

[Libreng]

I am a U.S. Republican. No, not of the kind that supports hatred and bigotry through the likes of candidates such as Donald Trump -- rather the kind who believes in free markets and moderate conservative principles. Take health care as an example. I support replacing Obamacare with an insurance system based on both universal access (provided via vouchers for low income individuals/families) and complete freedom in choosing what plans you want. Basically, achieving a progressive philosophy through the efficiency of economic freedom. I support the TPP, more welfare reform, flatter taxes, and gun rights.

I also support the Log Cabin Republicans (pro-LGBT rights), ConservAmerica (pro-environment), and am liberal on immigration policy.

John Kasich 2016!
He may not win, but he is the best candidate by far in the election. I would sooner vote for Hillary Clinton than a demagogue that supports monitoring certain places of worship, banning certain religious groups from entering America, deporting 11 million people, etc.

[Zoo Trouble]

GOP =/= US Democratic Party

Could you explain the difference between the two besides their name?

[Othelos]

GOP =/= US Democratic Party

Could you explain the difference between the two besides their name?

https://www.gop.com/platform/
https://www.democrats.org/about/our-party

[Kanaria]

I am a U.S. Republican. No, not of the kind that supports hatred and bigotry through the likes of candidates such as Donald Trump -- rather the kind who believes in free markets and moderate conservative principles. Take health care as an example. I support replacing Obamacare with an insurance system based on both universal access (provided via vouchers for low income individuals/families) and complete freedom in choosing what plans you want. Basically, achieving a progressive philosophy through the efficiency of economic freedom. I support the TPP, more welfare reform, flatter taxes, and gun rights.

I also support the Log Cabin Republicans (pro-LGBT rights), ConservAmerica (pro-environment), and am liberal on immigration policy.

John Kasich 2016!
He may not win, but he is the best candidate by far in the election. I would sooner vote for Hillary Clinton than a demagogue that supports monitoring certain places of worship, banning certain religious groups from entering America, deporting 11 million people, etc.

Frankly, I favor Kasich over any of the other Republican candidates. Too bad he's too "lieberal" for them.
I support the Democratic Party sparingly but not wholeheartedly, but I'm too ignorant to take stands on many issues. The least I can say is this:
-The Affordable Care Act is a pretty messed-up welding of capitalism and the state, but it seems to have been the best shit the Democrats could crank out. Perhaps something better might be in order eventually.
-I'm not against trade deals completely, especially if they promote our standards of economic activity.
-I don't think the welfare system should be dismantled. I have my doubts about "workfare"- a name I don't like much.
-I'd love to rake in some extra tax revenue and I would like to see policies in effect to reduce the lethality of firearms.
-I'm a social liberal. LGBT rights are good, immigration isn't bad, choice on abortions is good, blanket bans on Islam are bad, etc.
-I am concerned about the environment.

[Eol Sha]

GOP =/= US Democratic Party

Could you explain the difference between the two besides their name?

A bevy of social policy differences on issues ranging from guns to gay rights to the role of religion. There's also big differences between the parties on the realities of climate change and what to do about it. Contrary to what many believe, the parties are not the same.

[Sanabel]

The right wing thread is too far right, but this is too far center.



Guess ill bounce between the two.

[Lalaki]

Ah, centrism.

I'm an American Democrat who believes in social liberalism and fiscally moderate policies. I support the Affordable Care Act for insuring more people while saving the government money, gay rights, reproductive choice, progressive taxes, etc. However, I tend to break with fellow Democrats on the issues of business freedom and trade deals.

[Sanabel]

Ah, centrism.

I'm an American Democrat who believes in social liberalism and fiscally moderate policies. I support the Affordable Care Act for insuring more people while saving the government money, gay rights, reproductive choice, progressive taxes, etc. However, I tend to break with fellow Democrats on the issues of business freedom and trade deals.

I feel you. Fiscal conservative, but pretty socially progressive is what I am. But not socially progressive enough, and too fiscal conservative for the center. But not enough to be very far right.

[Eol Sha]

The right wing thread is too far right, but this is too far center.



Guess ill bounce between the two.

Solution? Resurrect Dick Nixon and sign him up so he can rant about the press.

[Sanabel]

The right wing thread is too far right, but this is too far center.



Guess ill bounce between the two.

Solution? Resurrect Dick Nixon and sign him up so he can rant about the press.

I would probably vote for 'ol Milhous over any current US primary candidate.

[British Prussia]

The conservative party is the centrist party of the UK not the Lib dems? You'll make Nick Clegg cry you know.

This initially was a centre-right thread, now it's become a general centrist thread. Unfortunately thr Lib Dems are too obscure to matter

[British Prussia]

Well, I supoose it isn't that strange. Greece wants to extend welfare and cut taxes... And thatbmovement is Centre-Left.

Erm...which post are you responding to?

Erm, the first bit of that post.

[Jochistan]

The Democratic Party in the US is pretty firmly Center-of-Left (socially). There's not much centrist about them aside from economics (sort of).

[Eol Sha]

Erm...which post are you responding to?

Erm, the first bit of that post.

I meant the part about Singapore's healthcare system being centrist. Can you elaborate on that?

[British Prussia]

Poll sucks, I can't pick centrist-dominated/lead/minority social democratic parties (i.e. Canadian NDP, Danish SDP, French Socialist Party, PSOE in Spain, Democratic Party in Italy, Labour Party in the UK etc).

Anyway, the Labour Party in the UK, even if it is down the shitter right now. Interesting to see the Tories in the UK and the Canada along with the Liberals in Australia as 'centrist' parties. Only two are climate change deniers, though all three are ideological free market conservatives.

Yes I know. This originally was a centre-right discussion thread, now it's a general centrist thread the encompasses all. Centre-left and right will be represented soon enough. Don't have enough spots in the poll, I'm afraid.

[British Prussia]

Erm, the first bit of that post.

I meant the part about Singapore's healthcare system being centrist. Can you elaborate on that?

Well, it's definitely not left leaning, where people would rather have a NHS style single payer system, the Singaporean healthcare system is for profit, nor is it economically right, where the private heathcare services can do whatever they like.

[Zoo Trouble]

Could you explain the difference between the two besides their name?

A bevy of social policy differences on issues ranging from guns to gay rights to the role of religion. There's also big differences between the parties on the realities of climate change and what to do about it. Contrary to what many believe, the parties are not the same.

They seem to do the same thing with some minute differences. Thus, my confusion.

[British Prussia]

Nick Clegg is a scrub tbh.

He's also pretty much the dictionary definition of a centrist unlike David "For too long, we have been a passively tolerant society, saying to our citizens: as long as you obey the law, we will leave you alone. " Cameron

I'm enjoying how all the poll options are centre-right.

Yes, this was a centre-right thread until popular demand wished it to be expanded. Now it's a general centrist thread and centre-left and centre parties will have their turn. I can't put 30 parties per poll.

[Eol Sha]

A bevy of social policy differences on issues ranging from guns to gay rights to the role of religion. There's also big differences between the parties on the realities of climate change and what to do about it. Contrary to what many believe, the parties are not the same.

They seem to do the same thing with some minute differences. Thus, my confusion.

I don't mean to be rude, but if you think that then you haven't been paying close attentions to American politics. On some issues, the parties are similar, but by and large, at least ideologically, the Reps and Dems are quite distinct.