The myth of the center

Continuing this post, here's McClennen's excellent article in Salon debunking this myth. It cites a recent study that demonstrates there are relatively few people in that category. Instead there are more people who are cross-pressured, meaning they strongly align with both parties but on different issues. This is exactly what Lakoff calls bi-conceptuals. Hence Lakoff recommends properly framing to this group on those specific issues.

McClennen also more accurately describes so-called centrist or moderate Dems like Pelosey (intentional misspelling) as corporate lackeys. They gladly take the corporate money and are beholden to them, not we the people. Hence their hatred of progressives like Sanders and The Squad, because the latter make this truth all too obvious, exposing them for what they are.

Finally, polling repeatedly shows mainstream Americans favor progressive policies, not corporate ones. Yes, there is a segment of older white male voters that will stick with the Bidens and Peloseys, but the younger demographic dwarfs in numbers the geezers. To motive the youth vote demands progressive candidates and policies to win elections and you aren't going to get them out with the corporatists.

Hence the above are the real criteria of electability. If we really want to beat Dump, McConnell and the rest of those fascists, as well as restore some sense of democracy in our land, the path forward is quite clear: We also have to purge the Dem Party of the corporate lackeys with strong, genuine progressives like Sanders and The Squad.