The US House of Representatives is facing a period of impressive political chaos. With outgoing speaker Nancy Pelosi facing immense pressure from a moderate faction, many are wondering why the moderates haven’t aligned themselves together and united in order to serve as an effective opposition to the powerful and entrenched establishment.
The moderates have always been a source of tension between the two major political parties. On the one side, the progressive wing of the Democratic Party has gained considerable clout over the past few years, successfully pushing through significant pieces of legislation. On the other side, the moderate wing of the GOP has seemingly been unable to find its own voice, struggling to come to any unified consensus.
This division within the moderates has been a continual obstacle to their ability to make their voices heard. The progressive wing of the Democratic Party has, in recent times, been in discussions to depict the moderates as a group of Capitol Hill lackeys, wholly subservient to President Donald Trump’s agenda. This narrative has only served to divide the moderates further. It has caused many to re-examine their alliances and roots within their parties.
The moderates could, in theory, unite themselves in order to form a powerful force within the House. They could use their collective clout to carry out their unified goals of ensuring fiscal responsibility, properly allocating government funds, and keeping executive and legislative powers in check. Such a partnership could provide a much-needed alternative to what has become a entrenched establishment.
However, this alliance will require some compromise from the moderates. They will need to leave the convenience of their respective party’s respective camps and come together in a spirit of compromise and respect. This is no small task, but it could be the best hope for forcing change into a system that has become increasingly drones on party lines.
The moderates have an opportunity in these chaotic times to prove their worth and exert influence in Washington. Whether or not they can capitalize on their potential remains to be seen. The hope is that by doing so, they can provide a much needed alternative to the status quo.
