Here is a paradox: while Americans claim to support – and frequently favor – elected officials who adopt moderate social, political and economic positions, American politics has become increasingly polarized, and even bitter, over the past thirty years. Despite the centrist views of most voters, our leaders frequently divide themselves into camps of “red” and “blue,” “liberal” and “conservative” – simplistic labels that many (if not most) Americans reject. Why has this occurred, and what should we do about it?

Finding the Middle is a highly readable and informative guide for those who wish to understand both “big picture” trends and specific policy questions in American life today. Unlike so many books about politics, however, Finding the Middle steers clear of partisan attacks and instead seeks to inform, educate and debate. Written in a clear and accessible style, the book is intended for those who have some knowledge about important political, economic, and social topics, but would like to learn more.

The book explores major themes that have shaped and are currently shaping political and cultural debate in this country – from partisanship, to political correctness, to the “culture wars” – and lays out a number of specific, creative solutions proposed by innovative thinkers on everything from taxation to healthcare to foreign policy, that defy traditional labels of “liberal” and “conservative.”

Without sacrificing accuracy or sophistication, Finding the Middle argues that there is a “middle ground” in America today that neither party has successfully catered to. This middle ground is as much a way of approaching politics, and confronting differences of opinion, as it is a set of specific viewpoints. At the same time, Finding the Middle argues that our fractured politics and culture has had very real consequences for the wellbeing of many Americans, and for the health of our democracy. If we hope to reinvigorate our national life, we must understand this relationship between politics and the freedoms we all seek to strengthen and preserve.

Americans elected a new crop of self-consciously centrist politicians in the 2006 Congressional elections, and contenders in the 2008 Presidential race are emphasizing their moderation on a host of important subjects. But powerful tendencies toward extremism on both the right and the left remain. This timely, important, and original book should help all of us learn more about the issues we care about. It’s time to explore, and to re-discover, the “missing middle” in America today.