Consequently, many Republicans often accuse moderates in their party of being “RINOs (Republicans in Name Only) or “neocons.” Democrats have this problem also. All too often, moderate Democrats get accused of being “secret Republicans” or “undercover Republicans.”
The fact of the matter is this nation – and our politics – needs to have moderate voters, candidates, and leaders in public office. The concept that anyone who suggests a middle-of-the-road approach (or working with the opposing side) has ill intentions is absurd.
An all-or-nothing attitude is great for riling up populists. It’s not always so great for getting things done. There are myriad times when working across the aisle and compromising are critical skills needed to bring home a win.
Everything in moderation
Too many political officials today care about cementing their status as “firebrands” and using social media to galvanize their bases. This, in moderation, has its place. However, the purity tests that Republicans and Democrats both use to demonize and silence their moderate counterparts need to be discontinued.
