PostPartisan

PostPartisan. A term used in American political discourse to describe an approach to governance and public debate that seeks to transcend traditional partisan divisions, particularly those between the Democratic and Republican parties. It emphasizes pragmatic problem-solving, ideological flexibility, and coalition-building across the political spectrum, often appealing to political independents and moderate voters. The concept gained significant traction in the early 21st century as a reaction to perceived political polarization in the United States and legislative gridlock in institutions like the United States Congress.

Definition and Origins

The term itself emerged prominently during the 2008 presidential campaign, most notably associated with the rhetoric and branding of candidate Barack Obama, who called for moving beyond "old ideological battles." Its intellectual roots, however, draw from earlier traditions of centrism and Third Way politics advanced by figures like Bill Clinton and Tony Blair. The concept also aligns with certain tenets of communitarianism and the writings of thinkers such as Amitai Etzioni, which stress common ground and civic responsibility over partisan loyalty. Operationally, it suggests a governing style that selectively incorporates ideas from both progressive and conservative policy frameworks.

Key Principles and Characteristics

Core principles include a focus on evidence-based policy and pragmatism over strict party platform adherence, often invoking bipartisan support for legislation. It champions civic nationalism and shared national purpose, as seen in appeals to "American values" during addresses like the State of the Union. Key characteristics involve appointing cabinet members from across the aisle, as with Robert Gates at the United States Department of Defense, and pursuing legislative deals, such as the 2010 Tax Relief Act negotiated between the Obama Administration and John Boehner. The approach often utilizes technocratic language and commissions, like the Simpson-Bowles Commission, to address complex issues like the federal deficit.

Historical Context and Development

The postpartisan ideal developed against a backdrop of increasing polarization following the 1994 Republican Revolution and the contentious 2000 election. It was a direct response to the sharp divisions of the George W. Bush era, including debates over the Iraq War and the USA PATRIOT Act. The concept was tested during the 111th United States Congress, which despite large Democratic majorities, sought Republican votes for the Affordable Care Act and the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Its appeal waned following the rise of the Tea Party movement and the 2010 midterm elections, which reinforced partisan identities and intensified opposition within the House Freedom Caucus.

Influence and Examples in Media

Several media outlets and personalities have championed a postpartisan editorial stance. The cable network CNN, under figures like Anderson Cooper, often positioned its coverage as above the partisan fray, while publications like The Atlantic and The New York Times opinion section frequently featured writers such as David Brooks and Thomas L. Friedman advocating for centrist solutions. The launch of The Hill's "Blog Briefing Room" and platforms like Politico also emphasized insider, deal-oriented politics. Furthermore, initiatives like No Labels, founded by Nancy Jacobson, and the Problem Solvers Caucus in Congress received significant media attention as embodiments of the postpartisan ideal.

Criticism and Debate

Critics from both the left and right argue postpartisanship often serves as a rhetorical cover for neoliberalism or political capitulation. Figures like Paul Krugman and Rachel Maddow have contended it naively ignores structural power imbalances and conservative movement intransigence, as seen during the United States debt-ceiling crisis of 2011. Conversely, commentators on Fox News like Sean Hannity have dismissed it as a tactic to marginalize conservative principles. Scholars such as Nolan McCarty and Thomas E. Mann, authors of *It's Even Worse Than It Looks*, argue the concept is untenable in an era of affective polarization and strong party discipline in the United States Senate.

Category:Political terminology of the United States Category:Centrism Category:Political concepts