The Middle Way: A Political Meditation

The return of the Eisenhower party to office makes inevitable a fresh look at the “middle of the road” as a viable political philosophy. Whether the espoused doctrine of moderation, rather than special circumstances, was responsible for either of its victories is, of course, highly arguable. Yet there are many who see in it the cause of success, and the recent elevation of Arthur Larson, who sounds the official philosophy of moderation, to a post of influence will doubtless lend countenance to their claim.

All this is profoundly troubling to those who believe that keeping midway between the two sides of a basic debate has grave theoretical liabilities, and that in the long run theory is going to assert its claims. The question is not whether but when a party which has no guide line except “moderation” is going to meet an issue from which there is no refuge in the middle of the road.

The return of the Eisenhower party to office makes inevitable a fresh look at the “middle of the road” as a viable political philosophy. Whether the espoused doctrine of moderation, rather than special circumstances, was responsible for either of its victories is, of course, highly arguable. Yet there are many who see in it the cause of success, and the recent elevation of Arthur Larson, who sounds the official philosophy of moderation, to a post of influence will doubtless lend countenance to their claim.

All this is profoundly troubling to those who believe that keeping midway between the two sides of a basic debate has grave theoretical liabilities, and that in the long run theory is going to assert its claims. The question is not whether but when a party which has no guide line except “moderation” is going to meet an issue from which there is no refuge in the middle of the road.