There are few political archetypes more maligned today than the so-called “centrist dad.”

Once merely descriptive, the term has been turned into a slur in certain circles, conjuring images of a middle-aged man in sensible shoes and — horror of horrors — advocating incremental change instead of radical upheaval. The centrist dad is portrayed as complacent, a relic of a bygone era of polite debate and cautious governance.

I am a centrist dad, and I am proud of it. Not only that, but I contend that centrist dads — and their equally essential counterparts, centrist moms — are vital to the flourishing of society. We are the ballast that keeps the ship steady. In a political era dominated by ideological extremes, we represent the virtues of pragmatism, stability and common sense. This is not complacency — it’s responsibility.

The attacks on centrism stem from a fundamental misreading of history and politics. Progressives accuse centrists of obstructing necessary transformation, whereas reactionaries deride them as weaklings lacking conviction. Both extremes misunderstand the role of centrism in a democracy, which is not about maintaining the status quo but about recognizing that the best path forward often lies in compromise, realism and adaptability.

The history of Western democracies is a testament to centrists implementing sensible, enduring reforms. It was not radicals but pragmatic leaders who built durable welfare states, created public healthcare........

© The Hill