Another point to consider: just because there is a widely different point of view regarding the way in which to address social problems and public policy doesn’t mean that the polarized opposite ends of the spectrum are bad. What is bad is what you point to regarding the vitriolic rhetoric coming out of Washington. This isn’t new (see stories of Congressional behavior during the lead-up to the Civil War), but it seems to be more wide-spread and not just personal disagreements, but two parties who hate each other and are unwilling to have civil discourse about problem-solving. I admire a Senator like Russ Feingold, who may be represented as an extremist, but who is consistent in standing up for his principles, not waffling like many other Democrats on the war and Republican on fiscal issues.

I appreciate the extremes (many times the best ideas come from the fringes). But the tone of interaction must change (and I think we can blame Rush and Hannity for much of that tone).

A centrist party is appealing. However, political parties are founder upon political ideologies. What would be the ideology of the new party? Democrats are theoretically based on liberalism, the idea of fighting for the common man and freedom; most believe in government being involved in your pocketbook and staying out of your bedroom. Republicans (again theoretically) are based on conservativism, commonly maintaining the status quo, small government, staying out of your pocketbook, but telling you what you can do in your bedroom. These are broad generalizations, but that’s what political parties represent.

What would be the ideology of the Centrist Party? Would it be libertarian, the idea that individuals should decide for themselves what each should do? (Most GenXers and Millenial Generations individuals fall into this category, i.e. “I would never have an abortion, but if another person thinks it’s right for them, then it shouldn’t be illegal.”)

How about “constitutionalism?” A belief in a return to the principles of freedom, hard work, virtue taught (if not always lived) by the Founders.

In order for a party to work, there must be an undergirding ideology. I believe that a new party will likely arise in the next 20 years, but it won’t come via national politicians. It will come through grassroots groundswell in a likely libertarian form.

Although there is precedent for a party leader forming a new party (Ariel Sharon in Israel) I think that until the people demand it, the politicos will maintain the machines that allow them to keep power.