Good point, and you've given me something to think about.
I am definately very left in terms of social policies. Fiscally, I am pretty middle I think as I have seen good points from both sides (I am speaking more of my own gov't in this case - your situation is somewhat different and I don't understand it as much as I do ours). Funny thing is, I conduct my own life in a very conservative manner. In fact, I've been told I am very conservative..lol.
The only point you made that I don't think I can agree with (and again, I need to think about it) is the media influence. Here, both our Conservative and Liberal Parties are pretty center as we have other parties that are further left/right (who aren't taken all that seriously and wouldn't ever get elected I don't think.) But you have for sure given me something to think about.
I see people for what they are in terms of policy and beliefs. Obama's own words puts him much left of center, not far left as others but further away from the middle then others. Yes Santorum and Bachman are far right so is Rand Paul. Romney was right but more middle right. Bush started out more right but then moved to more middle right, same way with Clinton. Rubio is overall more right then middle.
I think part of the reason why you may see him middle/left is because you associate with his ideas and the media has trained everyone that it's the norm (meaning the left is middle).
Obamacare is left, his words during the 08 campaign about "redistributing the wealth" is far left...just 2 quick examples.
Examples of the left-Pelosi, Boxer, Wasserman, Kuchinich (retired far left) to name a few. People like Kerry, Biden are closer to middle then left.
I see obama as left as our country will let him be and think he'd go much further if he could.
That's interesting that you see Obama as far left (I don't mean that sarcastically, I really do find it interesting). I really see him as closer to middle. Would I still refer to him as left vs. middle? Absolutely, but I don't see him as far left. Interesting how we can see the same person so differently isn't it.
On the right, I see folks like Christy and McCain (two of the Republicans I like alot) as being fairly center as well. Romney I saw as a bit more right, but still fairly middle. To me, far right candidates were Santorum and of course Bachman (that is extreme far...lol).
I'm trying to think who on the left I consider really left and can't come up with any names. It makes me wonder if that is because I identify more with the left? Do you think alot of us do that? See the party we most affiliate with as being more centerist then politicians on the other side?
Then why support Obama since he is far left?
I'm here just working for a change LOL ;)
Hey, where have you been? Missed you.
Wing nuts!!!
I completely agree government will work much better without EITHER side being so far to their side.
yes, the teap party makes the Republican party as a whole harder to deal with. I fear they are just drunk with the power they think they have. I too think that they are dwindling in numbers and power.
I will not dispute that they started out as a grass roots movement that had some good ideas. I really felt that way in the begining but then it just morphed out of control and became obnoxious.
Now they do such over the top wacky things like what was sent out mentioned here---- that who can take them seriously. I somehow subscribed to a newletter at one point (really--- ACCIDENT) and the stuff they would write and the way the did it was very inflammatory and just goofy. I quickly got myself off that list.
The good news? Not hearing of any rallies with people holding signs and such anymore. I think the party is over and again, think those of us that are conservative but not tea partiers need to be vocal that we don't want them associated with being Republican.
The tea party is the best thing that has ever happened for the Democrats.
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Well they did ride the party so far to the right that the moderates seemed like the left. They did a disservice to their party and to the country as a whole.
Once they are weeded out, I think there will be more teamwork and a better functioning government.
I get the distinct impression their influence is dwindling. When they first became a force, I know all of us on this side of the border considered them an extension of the Republican Party. No one does anymore - not at all. Here they are a joke and their are all kinds of jokes written at their expense. They are a bunch of wing nuts and no one here takes them seriously at all. They are a party unto their own now, if you want to refer to them as a party.
ha ha, Yes, the tea party is the best thing that has ever happened for the Democrats!
God I wish they would fizzle out. Everytime I think they're gone, they raise their head back up. The Democrats should be thankful for them.
Well, that is just so tacky, isn't it? I am thinking I'm going to have to get vocal on ridding us of these tea party fools from the party. I really do. I am disgusted to have the Repubican party associated with them.
This kind of hateful rhetoric is and always has been waaaay over the top.