What is the difference between a Centrist and a Moderate?

[SouthernDem2004]

Sound like the same thing to me. Can someone give me a quick difference so I do not have to spend so much time wading through google? I am feeling lazy today....

[brainshrub]

1. www.politicalcompass.org

www.politicalcompass.org

Enjoy

[SouthernDem2004]

3. Thanks but I am looking for definitions.

[brainshrub]

4. Are you talking in context of citizens or leaders.

My definition of a "centrist" or "moderate" in the general population is: "A bloc of people who do not vote."

[SouthernDem2004]

5. I have seen people around here call some Democrats Centrist,

What does one mean in the context? Moderate?

[brainshrub]

6. I don't understand the question.

You have to define what you are looking for.

Centrist in context of what? Politics? Environment? Religion? Public policy?

Are you talking about a political leader who supports centrist policies, or ideologues who are willing to compromise?

Narrow your question if you want an answer.

IMHO, individuals can't be "centrist" since different issues invoke different opinions. For example: I'm a die-hard Liberal but I think a flat-tax is a good idea. I'm non-violent but I support the right of everyone to bear arms.

Am I a centrist just because I have certain views associated with the RW?

This is why I refereed you to the Political Compass. Once you understand what it is, you'll see that the very concept of "centrism" is misleading."

[SouthernDem2004]

8. Hmmm, let me try to clarify....

It is used in political discussions. Some people seem to think it means something other then moderate. Any idea?

Three topics using centrist:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=1650771
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=4205136
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=4195406#4196297

[bullimiami]

2. im sorry but the middle between madness and sanity is half mad.

and that is what these dlc and so called moderate republicans are.

still crazy just less so.

[AndyTiedye]

7. I Would Say Most of Us Are Centrists or Moderates

We oppose the Iraq war, along with almost 60% of the population.

We support Roe v. Wade, like about 60% of the population, and oppose
Supreme Court nominees who would overturn it.

We don't approve of the way pResident Bush is doing his job, just like a bit under 60% of the population.

Seems pretty centrist or moderate to me.

We are the center. The far right has hijacked our country, and the not quite so far right seems to be in control of our party.

[LittleClarkie]

10. Interesting moving of the goal posts

Your statement reminds me of those who define themselves as the base.

You are not the center of the spectrum. If most of the country agrees with you, then that means the country leans somewhat to the left. Things are too unstable right now to define a middle.

Rather like deciding that whoever comes before you to a party is early, and whoever comes after you is late, regardless of the actual time of the party, your measure would seem to be too subjective and Andy-centric.

[AndyTiedye]

14. I Think We Have More Claim to Being The Center Than The "Centrists"

If most of the country agrees with you, then that means the country leans somewhat to the left.

Huh? I figured that if most people agreed with me, that put me pretty close to the middle.

Things are too unstable right now to define a middle.

If there is no center, and "the country leans somewhat to the left",
then what are the so-called "centrists"?

Rather like deciding that whoever comes before you to a party is early, and whoever comes after you is late, regardless of the actual time of the party, your measure would seem to be too subjective and Andy-centric.

The polls would seem to back me up by landslide margins.

[LittleClarkie]

9. Speaking as a moderate by DU standards

It means to me that I try not to be partisan if a good idea comes down the pike. A good idea is a good idea no matter where it comes from. I also try not to be hypocritical re: tactics. If I didn't care who was sucking on Bill Clinton's pud, I sure don't care who's sucking on Rove's pud.

I try to stay open and hear people out. I have my pet issues, however. Torture is not negotiable.

[wyldwolf]

11. none, really

..but to be technical... a moderate can be moderate-left and a moderate can be moderate right. Those two moderates would have more in common politically than differences.

[dolstein]

12. A moderate can be left or right of center; a centrist is in the middle

Here's my view of the American political spectrum, from right to left:

Far right (example: Rick Santorum)
Right (example: Bob Dole)
Moderate Right (example: John McCain)
Centrist (example: Susan Collins/Ben Nelson)
Moderate Left (example: Joe Lieberman)
Left (example: Dick Durbin)
Far Left (example: Bernie Sanders)

[ZombieNixon]

13. A moderate can recognize extremism when (s)he sees it

Take an example from 1930's Germany. There were two sides, the Nazis and the SocDems. The Nazis advocated throwing all the Jews in the ovens. The SocDems were opposed to it. Which one of these positions is extreme. Obviously, the one advocating mass murder. I would say that most reasonable, moderately minded people would oppose genocide. A moderate, seeing that those who held his position were those who oppsed mass murder, would join with the SocDems. A "centrist," is the sacred quest for the sacred, though ever-moving "center," might have suggested a compromise "Hey, guys, can't we all get along. Let's just throw some Jews in the oven. Then everyone will be happy." I don't care what you say, but killing every other Jew is just as bad as killing every Jew. It's still mass murder.

If one group is sitting pretty in the vaguely defines middle-left and the other is galloping rightwards at light speed, isn't the "center" still right-wing, and getting more so all the time?