Obama has said rejected the "moderate" core of the Dem party and asked that the DLC not be associated with him. He's definitely on the left and is not bashful about that. Much more down to earth than $400/haircute Edwards.
Hillary has been a moderate for a long time. And there are plenty of Republicans that support universal healthcare as well as a multitude of other "socialist" objectives (Pew Poll shows that 59% of social conservatives and 63% of populist conservatives support universal healthcare). The entire evangelical core is socialist and is Republican right now. There is evidence of that in everything from support to religious "philanthropies" and in Bush's prescription plan.
Guiliani has said he's against abortion but doesn't want to legislate it. Of course this upsets certain Catholic priests, who really have no room to talk on moral legislation. Rudy is definitely right of center and a lot of the press releases against him not being conservative enough have come from...the DNC.
Thompson has a cute wife and has a hit tv show. Romney wears Mormon underwear but has the support of most of my coworkers.
-Rudey
Quote:
Originally Posted by shinerbock
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.
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