A bid to build centrism in US politics

Schwarzenegger and Bloomberg are pushing efforts to bridge the political divide.

from the June 22, 2007 edition

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Bloomberg, too, has reversed a dreadful job-approval rating, below 20 percent. After a series of get-it-done initiatives – from a crackdown on illegal guns to bans on smoking and trans-fats to affordable housing initiatives – his rating is now in the 70s.

The New York mayor and the California governor are hammering a note that resonates with the public. Seventy-five percent like leaders who are willing to compromise, and 60 percent like leaders whose positions are a mix of liberal and conservative, according to the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press in Washington.

"The analysis [of Bloomberg and Schwarzenegger] is exactly correct," says Doug Bailey, cofounder of Unity08, a group that wants to nominate a bipartisan "unity ticket" for the 2008 presidential election, using a first-ever online convention. "The people know the system is broken at a time when there are more crucial issues in front of the government than at any point in our lifetimes. Yet they know the two parties can't sit down and talk in any effective way."

The best records of reach-across-the-aisle politicians have been at state and local levels, many experts say. Schwarzenegger has been leading the pack. After several stumbles in his first two years, he appointed a Democrat as his chief of staff last year. He has since made headlines with global warming and healthcare initiatives, prison reform, and a state infrastructure overhaul.

Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano (D) has won sweeping changes in Arizona's Child Protective Services and saw to the funding of full-day kindergarten, teacher raises, and workforce curriculum. Several other mayors and governors in both parties have taken on issues including illegal immigration, energy independence, healthcare, education, and childhood obesity.

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (D), too, is achieving results. As speaker of the California Assembly, he worked with Republicans to create the nation's first assault weapons' ban, a giant urban parks initiative, and the largest school bond measure in state history. As mayor, Mr. Villaraigosa has won a reputation as conciliator in labor, education, and transportation disputes.

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