The Fourteen

During last month’s wrangling over the “Nuclear Option,” 14 Senators (led by John McCain) forged a bond that could potentially keep the extremists in both parties in check. Of course, the purpose was merely to squelch the battle over the filibustering of judicial nominees. But what if this feeling of cooperative moderation could become a fixture in the Senate? (As it was in the 90s with Breaux and friends.)

I realize that the talk-show-Thunderdome aspect of politics is more entertaining, but is that what we want from our politicians? Entertainment? I’ve often said that the two-party dynamic is failing the American people. Politicians are no longer able to govern effectively or fairly. When politicians are beholden to their parties who are, in turn, beholden to various lobbyists and poli-corporate action conglomerates, you don’t get government by the People and for the People. We don’t need intimidation, bullying, or pandering. We need good government.

I’ve always been a big fan of moderate politicians. Maybe it’s my predisposition toward diplomacy and “trying to keep everyone happy.” The Orlando Sentinal’s Kathleen Parker wrote an uncharacteristically (fair and) balanced column about centrism in American politics. And there’s a coalition of political blogs that support this idea as well. It seems like a just cause, doesn’t it?