|
I'd put it like this...
Obama- I think his "moderate" tone covers for his liberal tendencies. This was also the case with Edwards in 2004. However, Edwards Senate record and attitude since the election have shown his legitimately liberal nature. I think Obama is the same.
Hillary- Likewise, since 9/11 she has toned herself to a moderate level, which I think hides some of her liberal nature. Socialized medicine wasn't moderate the first time she proposed it, and it isn't a moderate idea now. The question is whether she values ideology over opportunism. My opinion is no, she doesn't. Therefore, many on the right may detest her, but they also would probably rather have her become president than Obama, who may not be as hesitant to push for "progressive" change.
Guiliani- He's close to the center. Very questionable on abortion rights and even public funding (to conservatives, of course).
Thompson/Romney- Both have detractors and past incidents which take away some of their conservative appeal, but both also have fairly conservative records and current ideologies.
Of course, its hard to say where everyone is on the political spectrum. The problem is with what positions define what label.
|