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Actually, the shift towards the middle for the Democrats, began during the Clinton Administration when Gingrich led the way to reclaim Congress for the first time in forty years. Recall the Clinton administration of '92-'93. A major focus was put on the Health care 'Crisis' and Hillary led the charge for Socialised Medicine.
Fortunately, this opened the door for people to realize how dangerous the Clinton's were, if left unrestrained. Thus the Clintons, and the publics fear, led as much to regaining Congress as Newt did.
But of course this shift was at the top only and thus was nothing more then a cheap facade propped up by illegal campaign contributions. Clinton became a moderate, not be design or by desire, but for survival.
Recall: Dick 'toe sucker' Morris: If you do not sign welfare reform, you will lose."
In reality, the D's in their shrewdness recognized that this was a requirement and thus blessed Clinton as the saviour of the Democratic Party. But look now who has the power: Tom Daschle, Nancy Pelosi and their cohorts.
No, the Democrats claim to be loyal Americans, but their loyalty will always be first to the Party and they will even stoop so low as to honor a scumbag like Clinton to achieve their ends.
It is really sad actually to see that they have succeded in so many ways by relying on the dumbing down of today's society. And they have done this while pretending to have both intellectual and moral superiority.