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From Goldwater to Trump: Has America Decided Moderation Is a Vice?
This article explores how both the Republican and Democratic parties are increasingly rewarding ideological purity over political moderation, tracing the roots of this trend from Barry Goldwater's famous 1964 convention speech to the populist politics of the Trump era. It examines why voters appear more willing to overlook candidates' personal flaws in pursuit of larger political goals, considers whether America's growing polarization creates an opening for a viable third party, and looks ahead to what these forces could mean for the 2026 midterms and the race for the White House in 2028.
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