The document argues that the traditional left vs. right spectrum in American politics is obsolete and does not accurately capture the diversity of political ideologies. It presents an alternative spectrum mapping various positions, from populism and isolationism on the right to elitism and internationalism on the left. The key point is that most political candidates and parties today do not fit neatly into the left-right categories as commonly understood.

1. The problem with American politics today is that the Left vs. Right debate is obsolete.
Social conservatives
“Right”
Neocons
“Conservative Republican” Masters of the
Tea Party Universe
Populism Elitism
Isolationist Internationalist/Interventionist
Libertarians
Anti-intellectual Pro-globalization
Plight of the poor Intellectual
Distrusts elites Celebrates elites
Social justice Social progress
Scorns material wealth Milton Friedman capitalism
“Liberal Democrat”
‘Occupy Wall Street’ Thomas Friedman
fans
“Left”
Anarchists
Old school Left
The spectrum of political ideology as most Americans see it
Tino Dinh The spectrum of political ideology as it actually exists today
2/29/2012

2. Thus, think about how you would align candidates, parties, and ideas in this new spectrum.
TALIBAN
“Right”
“Conservative Republican”
Santorum
Palin
Bush II
Romney
Reagan Gingrich
Ford
POST- Paul Bush I PRE-
Populism Elitism REVOLUTION
REVOLUTION Bill Clinton
FRANCE Obama FRANCE
Carter Pelosi
Most EU
politicians
“Left”
“Liberal Democrat”
MAOIST CHINA
The spectrum of political ideology as most Americans see it
Tino Dinh The spectrum of political ideology as it actually exists today
2/29/2012 EXTREMES

3. We all have more in common than our media and our politicians would have us believe.
Stay true to your values, but
“Right” don’t impose them upon others.
Moderate
Centrist
Tolerance
Prudence
Golden Mean
Democracy succeeds through
Nothing in excess
the Republic, not mob rule.
Pragmatist
Populism Open-minded Elitism
Golden Rule With great power, comes
Compassion great responsibility. Honor
Fairness and respect must be
Personal Responsibility earned.
Equality of opportunity, not “Left”
equality of outcome.
The spectrum of political ideology as most Americans see it
Tino Dinh The spectrum of political ideology as it actually exists today
2/29/2012