Nonsense.. This last election has proven that the United States is now a center-left country. Furthermore, like every other nation that has embarked on some form of socialized health care, the United States will inevitably move more and more towards the left, as the American people embrace more progressive views.
Since the election, I've read nothing but pleas from the right, the same right that once derided Barack Obama as an inexperienced, far too radical LIBERAL - pleas for Obama to govern from the "Center." They never quite define where that center is... Wouldn't the center be defined by the previous general election? Obama won 365 electoral votes.. That's a mandate for progress.
The idea of one party being far to the left, the other far to the right--it's all a matter of perspective. Max is a conservative--of course he's going to think the dems are far to the left.
America is still a center-right country, but it will probably shift more towards the "center" as the baby-boomers age and play less of a role in politics. When I mean center, I mean center on social issues. Economically speaking, we are still conservative and will remain so in the grand scheme of things. The majority of individuals below the age of 40 are more progressive, but I don't think we're going to see some massive shift to a European like social-state.
This election doesn't really tell us much about the notion of center in our country. The electoral college is so flawed, in my mind. Sure, Obama won by a "landslide" in electoral votes because it's a winner-take all system. I think 50 something million people still voted for John McCain--about 46% of all voters. In absolute terms, that's a lot.
Furthermore, many people voted for Obama not necessarily because they agree with all his liberal views, but more of as a referendum on the GOP and the perception that he can change government for the better.
I just think about all the pro-life voters who voted for Obama. They were willing to support Obama because they feel other domestic issues are far more important at this time than the traditional gay-guns-god argument that conservatives always put up.
Or how about all those republicans who decided to back Obama? Same reason. I guarantee you after 4, maybe 8 years of democrat rule--people will get tired of things and want to reverse course. It always happens in politics.
I think what makes America unique is the fact that we are a somewhat conservative country based on certain ideals including individualism and libertarianism which are traditionally republican arguments. While I don't necessarily agree with the republican agenda, there are some serious merits in their platform. It's hard to find a balance between the promotion of individualism and providing a safety net for the less fortunate in our country. Conservatives often think of the less fortunate as lazy. Liberals think of them as screwed by the system. Really, it's a combination of both thoughts.
I think I'm with the general American belief that we have swung way too far to the right. I am hopeful Obama can find a way to mediate both schools of thought and reach consensus on many issues. Is there reason to be skeptical? Sure. Is there reason to be hopeful? Yes.
I personally think Obama is going to do a lot of good for our country. The conservatives will watch him like hawks waiting for him to screw-up. Liberals will defend him to the death, just like the die-hards did for Bush.
I guess we'll just have to wait and see how things play out for Obama.
Let me know.
