and imply that we can't make up our mind or that we don't have the courage of our convictions?
I have very strong views about many issues, but I don't feel like I am represented by either party.
2006-07-09 15:53:57 · 11 answers · asked by opjames 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
I certainly don't feel like a "fence sitter" and I consider myself a moderate. I just don't agree with the extreme stances that traditional liberals or conservatives expound, and find my opinions generally somewhere in the middle. I am with you, feeling that neither political party represents my views. I prefer voting for a candidate, not a party, and won't be intimidated or forced to vote as a certain party deems "correct" for me. I prefer to do my own thinking and own decision making!
2006-07-09 16:03:20 · answer #1 · answered by poppet 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its just another label, so dont sweat it. People have the nasty habit of labeling others and trying to disgrace them into looking at themselves as less than the other.
Hey, I am conservative in many things, but not all things. Just because I dont believe in all things Rush Limbaugh believes doesnt make me less a man. Call me what you will, I really dont care (just dont call me a Lib, LOL).
Moderates are those that reserve the right to vote for whoever they think is best for the job, no matter what political affiliation that person is. I believe in that principle too, although I must admit I don't see any Democrats worth voting for these days, except one or two.
So I am a moderate in some ways, it seems.
2006-07-09 23:00:33 · answer #2 · answered by jack f 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In our current two party system if you aren't on one side people consider you in the middle and on the fence because most of your views aren't exemplified by either side. I technically lean towards the liberal side but they certainly don't encompass the majority of the views I have personally. I think too many people who agree with everything one side has to say don't do a lot of thinking for themselves on a lot of issues and if people have different views or want more information before making up their minds they call them fence sitters to make themselves feel better.
2006-07-09 22:59:09 · answer #3 · answered by zerocool2925 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Welcome to the club ... we are growing in number. A friend of mine calls many of the GOP "rinos" as in, Republican In Name Only. He calls me an "armadillo" because he knows I'm middle of the road.
I, too, have strong positions ... but they are on both sides of the political spectrum.
The problem today is that the two parties are controlled by the lunatic fringes of both ... and they are so intransigent in their beliefs and approach that you are "either with us or against us".
They want us to support *everything* they espouse ... or we are the enemy.
The first party that wises up and nominates moderate candidates will sweep into office with those candidates with an overwhelming majority.
I see it like this: The Dems control 20% (their "faithful") ... the GOP controls 20% (their "faithful") ... and the 60% of us in the middle have to choose between the extremes.
For the moment.
2006-07-09 23:02:25 · answer #4 · answered by Rob R 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fence sitters are called that because when you sit on a fence, you can fall either way.
I try to study both sides of an issue... and suppose I "fence sit" while making up my mind. But I always find myself on the Regan Republican side once all the facts are in....
2006-07-09 23:08:18 · answer #5 · answered by MesquiteGal 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think most people could label themselves as moderates its just that most states you have to register as republican or democrat in order to vote in primaries, and people automatically label them with stereotypes. I wish I could register as an independent where I live but can't, so I chose the party that mostly represents what I like.
2006-07-09 22:59:15 · answer #6 · answered by jpxc99 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The 'moderates' I know refuse to side on an issue until it's been through some sort of polling. Generally, most moderates are really liberals but just too embarrassed to say.
2006-07-09 22:57:40 · answer #7 · answered by Pancakes 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not people doing the labeling. It's the media. The media made flip-flop into a crime. When actually, having the ability to acknowledge past mistakes in judgment and to change your mind is a great thing. So, ignore the great Conservative Media.
2006-07-09 22:58:19 · answer #8 · answered by 5375 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It has more to do with people who say "if" and "but". (Don't get me wrong... I am often that person.) They aren't taking a stand in an issue, and it seems as if they don't want to risk anything to stand up for their convictions.
2006-07-09 22:56:58 · answer #9 · answered by Melissa 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I love this question. I agree with you, completely.
2006-07-09 22:58:06 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋