I want to explain my comments concerning the American electorate and centrism. We have few choices for laadership and policy compared to other democratic nations. I do believe that it matters to me personally and to the nation which party sector is elected. Corporations are a major factor in American life. They do not run this country, however. Unsophisticated people, doing ;quickk Internet analysis, may believe so. I see corporations hemmed in by federal and state laws and regulations. CEOS do not meet in back rooms. They meet with their legal staff. The electorate can make a difference. Hollywood is a factor. The Jewish lobby is another factor. College students are not voting.
Politically tinged songs bemoan our lack of choice. "laugh about it, joke about it, either way you lose." A major problem during the Viet Nam War that lead to unrest was that neither party offered an alternative to continued war during the general election. Other countries have multiple parties. Of course, the Tea Party is obstructionist. Time will tell if the main GOP can keep them in check. The Tea Party ascendancy may be a grea gift to the Democratic nominee.
Because we only have two parties in reality, many candidates with no realistic hope for election run anyway to moderate their opposition's positions. Studies show time and time again that a credible challenger makes the other candidate tack towards the middle. Mitt Romney may have been a viable candidate against President Obama but he was weaked by the idiocy of the GOP primary cycle. The Democrats were able to paint him as a wacko conservative. Of course, Romney had personal elements that showed he was out of touch with regular Americans.
Another factor is that our leaders tend to be drawn from the Ivy League and comparative elite schools. The education and world view on these campuses turns out people who think alike. The old boy network is retained. It works well in law and investment banking. These schools encourage privilege. You are taught that public service is a duty. It is patriotic. There is great civility in the upper ranks because of this. Campaign finance requirements keep other peope with limited resources from viable campaigns. Parties rarely recrut candidates from the working and middle class anymore. I believe this trend exists in other countries. Britain is a good example. France is another one.
We have limited choice in the United States. Whenever you compare political systems, there are good points and bad points. Centrism keeps America on a relatively steady course. The financial markets are not disrupted so investors are safe. Obama is very centrist to the chagrin of progressives. I wonder if the responsibilities of the office itself shape political views and policy.
