Harsanyi says Barack Obama's personality is not enough to win the presidency.
It's often said that loathing of an opposing candidate is not enough for victory. And aversion to George Bush is not, on its own, enough reason to spur a realignment of the electorate. This election, in fact, despite the fruitless attempts of Obama, is a traditional battle between the left and the right. It's about policy and, the worst distraction of all, politics.
Harsanyi should know better than to use the "left-right" paradigm. It is a popular shorthand for political division, but it is also completely inadequate and just wrong.
A line stretching between "left" and "right" is far too simple to be of any use.
Check out the World's Smallest Political Quiz and the Nolan Chart for a more accurate graphic depiction of politics. Instead of just a line, the WSPQ and Nolan Chart use a plane. It is still simple and much more accurate than the worthless "left-right" line.
The false "left-right" construct destroys all meaningful political discussion. For example, libertarians do not fit on the "left-right" line. We want smaller government and less taxes. That puts us on the "right." But we believe in privacy, civil rights and don't give a damn what you do in the privacy of your bedroom with another consenting adult (or multiple adults, for that matter.) That puts us on the "left."
So where do libertarians (or Classic Liberals) fit on the "right-left" line? We do not. The line fails.
Harsanyi, as one who generally espouses libertarian ideals, should not use the "left-right" paradigm.
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