After attending and photographing the women’s march this past weekend, I have started reflecting more on my “Centerist” views and what it would take to bring the far-right and the far-left back to a more suitable position than where we are in our current political landscape. In recent years, politics in the United States become increasingly more divided, with extreme far-right and far-left ideologies dominating national discussions and policies.

The Dangers of Extremism

Far-right and far-left extremism are contributing factors to the polarization we see today in politics. There has been a breakdown of communication and bipartisanship between Republicans and Democrats, more so now than in the past. In my view, shaped by my experiences throughout my lifetime, a significant turning point came with the election of America’s first black president, Barack Obama. Although he wasn’t my preferred candidate at the time, I grew to respect him and appreciated the way he communicated. In hindsight, Obama embodied what the U.S. needed to recover from the Bush era. In his book “American Grand Strategy in the Age of Trump,” Hal Brands discusses how Obama’s approach during his presidency focused on being more cautious, efficient, and precise in military engagements. He also re-emphasized the importance of diplomatic relations with both allies and adversaries. Additionally, Obama’s administration adapted American policy to consider the Asia-Pacific region’s rising significance as a key player in 21st-century geopolitics and economic relations.

While I don’t agree with some of the methods the U.S. has employed in spreading democracy—often imposing its influence on smaller nations by placing a boot on their throats—I do believe these geopolitical actions have contributed to our safety. In stark contrast, Trump’s approach has been marked by chaos, which is a significant shift from the strategies of the Biden and Obama administrations. The phrase “America First” became a constant refrain during Trump’s campaign and continues to echo in his presidency. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen an isolationist platform or the “America First” slogan; Buchanan ran on a similar agenda against George H. Bush.

However, this isolationism is driving a wedge between us and our allies, making us less secure than we once were. Agreements forged years ago have been broken, leaving disorder in their wake. The rise of far-right extremism not only fuels nationalism but also emphasizes White Christian Nationalism, favoring these interests over international cooperation and longstanding commitments.

During Biden’s administration, the far left often overlooked the views of moderates and centrists, a trend that is similarly observed with the far right. This disregard has contributed to the Democrats’ struggles, particularly evident in the recent election. Many moderates are independent voters, and failing to win their support has significantly undermined the Democrats’ chances of success. To regain electoral ground, they need to shift closer to the center, stepping back from extreme positions to appeal to a broader audience.

It’s important to recognize that if you don’t fully resonate with Trump, you’re not alone—many Republicans do not identify with the MAGA movement. However, expressing any differing opinions may jeopardize your political career, as deviations from the party line are often met with hostility and aggression, resulting in the use of derogatory language in public discussions.

While the Biden administration has taken a more lenient stance on immigration, Trump’s policies are often criticized as xenophobic, driven by anti-immigrant sentiments that have led to increased deportations and exclusionary practices.

The far-left policies within the LGBTQ+ community appeared to come on too quickly. Liberal DEI initiatives were not introduced gradually into the mainstream; instead, they were forced on people who were not ready for change. The same can be said for Christians shoving their religion down everyone’s throats instead of a gradual introduction. One thing I have learned is people do not like being forced into compliance. It is important to educate and allow them to choose for themselves. Instead, both have been launched into our lives at full speed, akin to being shot from a cannon. The far-right and Trump’s policies seem intent on erasing the efforts of Democrats swiftly, signing executive orders that wipe away progress in an instant.

What we’ve witnessed is a complete rollback of advancements, and this trend will likely continue if the polarization between the two parties persists. It’s becoming increasingly difficult for lawmakers to come together and find bipartisan solutions to pressing issues. As highlighted in Trump’s speech to Congress, there’s a growing reluctance to engage in meaningful dialogue. Consequently, this stifles any chance for growth and significant reforms, leaving citizens feeling unrepresented in the political arena.

The Value of Centrism

What is Centrism? Defining it precisely can be a challenge, but here’s my take. Centrism isn’t about being far-right or far-left, and it doesn’t necessarily mean positioning oneself exactly in the middle. Centrists typically shy away from radical beliefs and resist drastic policy changes. Instead, we focus on uniting people through compromise and open dialogue. Given the rich diversity of the U.S., it’s essential to include everyone, irrespective of race, religion, sexual orientation, or any differences we might have. Our aim isn’t to play into partisanship but to address the needs of the entire population. Centrists actively seek compromise and strive to understand a wide range of perspectives. There’s no need to feel cornered into simply accepting everything that Trump or Biden says, forcing you to pick a side. I stand neither on the far-right nor the far-left. If we could gather around a dinner table and share a meaningful conversation over a beer or two, I believe most of us would find ourselves somewhere in this middle ground.

What we truly desire is for our voices to be heard and for our tax dollars to be spent wisely. We want safety in our nation and local communities, along with affordable housing and groceries—it’s a given. Affordable healthcare is also essential, free from the constraints of insurance companies. Our aim is to provide a quality education for our children so they can build a better future than we did. We long for a thriving economy, the ability to retire comfortably, and to enjoy our golden years. Furthermore, we want basic human rights to flourish, allowing us to love whomever we choose. I’m sure I’ll miss out on a few desires, and I welcome the feedback, but the core message remains clear: we all want the same fundamental things in life. The question is how to achieve them, which often proves to be the tough part. Is it through extreme politics or polarizing views? My answer is a resounding “no!” We, the people of this great country, can only attain our goals and needs through collaboration and unity.

Throughout history, there have been notable instances where a centrist approach proved beneficial for the majority of Americans, illustrating the effectiveness of both parties working together. For example, during the 1980s, Democrats collaborated with Republicans under the Reagan administration. Similarly, Abraham Lincoln’s Vice President, Andrew Johnson, was a Democrat known for surrounding himself with rivals and individuals who held opposing views. Lincoln believed it was essential to include the nation’s brightest minds in his cabinet, regardless of their disagreements. Another significant example is the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which saw 27 Republicans join forces with 44 Democrats to conclude discussions and pass the legislation. These examples highlight how bipartisanship and a centrist stance can truly benefit the nation.

The Benefits of a Centrist Approach

Adopting a centrist or moderate approach to politics is a more effective way to address the needs of the population. We must steer away from extreme partisanship to develop policies that create a meaningful impact on Americans’ lives. Take the healthcare reform debate, for example, a centrist viewpoint might advocate for a blend of public and private options. This balanced perspective recognizes the importance of accessible healthcare while also taking into account the preferences of those who prioritize choice and competition in the private sector. Consequently, centrist policies often enjoy wider acceptance across the political landscape, helping to minimize polarization and prevent gridlock in the legislative process.

We are currently witnessing a growing trend of division and hostility in political discussions, especially on social media platforms. Every day, we encounter messages that are driven by an “us vs. them” mentality, evident in various posts, comments, and the coverage from partisan media sources. Instead of fostering this divisiveness, we should promote open dialogue rooted in mutual respect. This is where centrists truly shine, as they create a collaborative environment that welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds and beliefs to engage in meaningful conversations. For instance, community initiatives that embrace a centrist approach are more likely to bring together people from different political affiliations to tackle common issues, such as education and public safety. By doing so, centrists can play a crucial role in building a more united and functional society, ultimately leading to better governance and a stronger sense of shared purpose among citizens.

Overcoming Challenges

As voters, it’s completely understandable to feel outraged by the myriad challenges we face today. We are currently dealing with skyrocketing inflation, daily drops in the stock market, cuts to government-funded aid, and a freeze on financial support for the war in Ukraine. To make matters worse, there’s a concerning rise in misinformation spreading on social media, which often traps far-right voters in echo chambers that only reinforce their existing beliefs. One of the toughest battles we must confront isn’t just the dissemination of false information but also the attitude of the MAGA core, which seems largely indifferent to the truth. They thrive on controversy and show little interest in fact-checking or recognizing the inaccuracies surrounding their claims. MAGA supporters appear to fully back whatever their leader does, much like the loyal far-left Obama supporters during his presidency.

To heal our nation, we must seek common ground. We must unite and engage in open discussions about our challenges, cutting through the misinformation surrounding us. Now is the time to think for ourselves and enhance our media literacy.