Moderate Values

What it means to be a "political moderate."

There is no single definition of the term “political moderate.” In fact, some commentators believe there are at least three different types of political moderates.

(1) The indifferent moderate. One type of moderate may be indifferent to politics with no strong opinions on issues.

(2) The wishy washy moderate. A second type of moderate may hold such a range of opinions as to lack any real ideology. In a word, these moderates are seen as “wishy washy” or “flip-flopping” on the issues.

(3) The moderate ideology. But it’s the third type of moderate that will be the focus of this website. As used here and explained in Episode 1 and a subsequent short, the term “political moderate” will refer to a voter with a certain ideology. These voters:

• reject extremism and hold centrist positions, advocating for a balance between progressive and conservative policies;

• are willing to compromise to find common ground between the polarized extremes of the political spectrum;

• may be registered independents, but don’t have to be;

• believe in democracy, the constitution and the rule of law;

• want to work together respectfully with people of different viewpoints to reach sensible, pragmatic solutions to problems;

• want to base decisions on proven facts and science and not on political rhetoric and conspiracy theories;

• want political leaders to act ethically and with integrity at all times; and

• abhor political violence and violent rhetoric (see Episode 7 for more on this topic).

Make Moderates Matter

Empowering Moderation in American Politics

What it means to be a "political moderate."

Make Moderates Matter

Empowering Moderation in American Politics

What it means to be a "political moderate."

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