Abstract

Debunking 'Centrism'

Offers a look at how the corporate agenda is relabeling progressive Democrats as left-wing extremists. Claim of Al From, the chief executive officer of the corporate-sponsored Democratic Leadership Council (DLC), that progressive policies are hurting the Democratic Party; Statement that the DLC labels populist Democrats as far-left extremists; Discussion of whether the DLC is centrist; Definition of centrism as the political philosophy of avoiding the extremes of right and left by taking a moderate position; Report that Americans agree with the Democratic Party that the Republican Party is waging class warfare on behalf of the rich; Desire of the U.S. public for tougher regulations on corporations; Reference to a public opinion poll that showed that a majority of U.S. citizens favor a repeal of tax cuts to pay down the deficit; Preference of Americans for a universal health care system; Report that U.S. citizens support legislation allowing the U.S. to import lower-priced medicines from Canada; Discussion of an energy policy that would mandate higher fuel efficiency in cars.