Robert A. Levine 3-1-12
Olympia Snowe’s retirement from the Senate is another dagger in the heart of centrism and
moderation in American politics. She noted that the political process is “no longer allowing lawmakers to shape or change legislation and turning every vote into a take-it-or-leave-it showdown intended to embarrass the opposition.” (http://nyti.ms/x4WQ5s)
Centrists of both parties have been exiting the Senate in droves in recent years or are leaving shortly, including Democrats Ben Nelson, Joseph Lieberman, Jim Webb, Kent Conrad, Blanche Lincoln and Evan Bayh. Republicans include Lincoln Chaffee, James Jeffords, as well as Kay Bailey Hutchinson, Olympia Snowe, and Arlen Spector who switched parties. These Senators are generally at an age where they could have continued their careers, but most give similar reasons for leaving- the poisoned atmosphere and lack of comity between members of the two parties which makes legislating difficult and sometimes impossible.
One can imagine the frustration of Senators willing to negotiate and compromise to get laws enacted that are in the nation’s interest, but are held back by extreme elements in their parties. Politics is increasingly being played as a zero-sum game, where if legislation initiated by one party passes, it is considered a win for them and a loss for the other party. And the media and zealous
bases in the parties reinforce this perception. Of course, America is the real loser when legislating is no longer a bipartisan process.
The other growing barrier to legislating is the fact that so many bills are framed in moralistic, absolutist terms. This is true not only of social issues like abortion or same sex marriage, but health care, taxes and financial reform. How can one compromise when the opposing position is being characterized by one’s peers as being evil, heartless, or socialistic?
Back in the Senators’ home states, the political atmosphere has also become toxic, with Tea Partiers and others at the fringes putting pressure on centrists to adopt their positions or leave politics. And these people can be vociferous and abusive to politicians with even a tinge of moderation, like Republicans Charles Grassley of Iowa or Richard Lugar of Indiana. In fact, staunch conservative Bob Bennett of Utah was ousted in the last election because he wasn’t conservative enough for the right-wingers. This came as a warning to other Republicans to increase their conservative bona fides in legislative votes. In other words, don’t compromise!
While politicians on both sides of the aisle speak about making governing in Washington less dysfunctional, the situation continues to get worse, with Olympia Snowe’s retirement another bit of evidence. Is there any way to change?
There have been a number of moves to engage centrists and independents in this election cycle through organizations such as Americans Elect and No Labels, which appear to be gaining some traction. Unfortunately, neither of these groups goes far enough. A third party of the center is needed to transform politics in America at every level; the counties, municipalities, the states and in Washington. This third force, interposed between the two parties, would no longer allow politics to be structured as a zero-sum game, where a win for one side was a loss for the other. And with even a few members in each House, this third party would have leverage in Congress to move legislation forward that would benefit the nation.
The centrists and moderates on both sides of the aisle who are retiring could find a new home in a centrist third party. The time is ripe to end the comedy in Washington and see the return of some comity. A centrist third party could be the catalyst for change.
Resurrecting Democracy
www.robertlevinebooks.com
Olympia Snowe’s retirement from the Senate is another dagger in the heart of centrism and
Centrists of both parties have been exiting the Senate in droves in recent years or are leaving shortly, including Democrats Ben Nelson, Joseph Lieberman, Jim Webb, Kent Conrad, Blanche Lincoln and Evan Bayh. Republicans include Lincoln Chaffee, James Jeffords, as well as Kay Bailey Hutchinson, Olympia Snowe, and Arlen Spector who switched parties. These Senators are generally at an age where they could have continued their careers, but most give similar reasons for leaving- the poisoned atmosphere and lack of comity between members of the two parties which makes legislating difficult and sometimes impossible.
One can imagine the frustration of Senators willing to negotiate and compromise to get laws enacted that are in the nation’s interest, but are held back by extreme elements in their parties. Politics is increasingly being played as a zero-sum game, where if legislation initiated by one party passes, it is considered a win for them and a loss for the other party. And the media and zealous
The other growing barrier to legislating is the fact that so many bills are framed in moralistic, absolutist terms. This is true not only of social issues like abortion or same sex marriage, but health care, taxes and financial reform. How can one compromise when the opposing position is being characterized by one’s peers as being evil, heartless, or socialistic?
Back in the Senators’ home states, the political atmosphere has also become toxic, with Tea Partiers and others at the fringes putting pressure on centrists to adopt their positions or leave politics. And these people can be vociferous and abusive to politicians with even a tinge of moderation, like Republicans Charles Grassley of Iowa or Richard Lugar of Indiana. In fact, staunch conservative Bob Bennett of Utah was ousted in the last election because he wasn’t conservative enough for the right-wingers. This came as a warning to other Republicans to increase their conservative bona fides in legislative votes. In other words, don’t compromise!
While politicians on both sides of the aisle speak about making governing in Washington less dysfunctional, the situation continues to get worse, with Olympia Snowe’s retirement another bit of evidence. Is there any way to change?
There have been a number of moves to engage centrists and independents in this election cycle through organizations such as Americans Elect and No Labels, which appear to be gaining some traction. Unfortunately, neither of these groups goes far enough. A third party of the center is needed to transform politics in America at every level; the counties, municipalities, the states and in Washington. This third force, interposed between the two parties, would no longer allow politics to be structured as a zero-sum game, where a win for one side was a loss for the other. And with even a few members in each House, this third party would have leverage in Congress to move legislation forward that would benefit the nation.
The centrists and moderates on both sides of the aisle who are retiring could find a new home in a centrist third party. The time is ripe to end the comedy in Washington and see the return of some comity. A centrist third party could be the catalyst for change.
Resurrecting Democracy
www.robertlevinebooks.com
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