How to Distinguish a Moderate Politician From an Opportunist?

I've been puzzling over this for years. I welcome any and all suggestions. Read More...

How Do You Distinguish a Moderate or Centrist Politician From an Opportunist?

Mon, 11/09/2009 - 7:38pm
Posted by FLAMMENWERFER

I've been puzzling over this for years. All the relevant authorities (political scientists, pundits, political journalists, consultants) agree that you win elections by running from the center.

If this is so, and conventional wisdom is unanimous that it is, how DOES one separate a principled centrist from a self-seeking opportunist? The latter will invariably play the game according to that rule.

If a moderate sacrificed his or her support, or even his or her career, on principle, that might provide grounds for the distinction, but when as that ever happened? Might Joe Lieberman qualify on that ground?

I welcome any and all suggestions.

Join the discussion on AMG’s The Public Square
Return to AMG’s home page