Maybe I would be more comfortable with the concept of politicians "moving toward the center" if the motion wasn't always to the left. Try these alterations of some sentences from the article I quoted:

Headline: MOVE TO CENTER: DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE STARTS TO SHY AWAY FROM LIBERAL LABEL



Gray Davis took the first steps in a trek back toward the political center on Wednesday, saying the word liberal was just a "label" that was too limited to encompass his ideas for solving California's problems.

...While Davis embraced the liberal label in televised ads he ran in the primary contest, he also tried in other ways to downplay his socially liberal views. Davis only mentioned abortion when asked.

...Asked if he was ready to abandon his liberal identification, he skirted the question.

...As the Republicans step up their attacks, analysts say it is crucial for Davis to try to establish his image before they can do it for him.



Sounds a little weird, doesn't it? Do you ever see anything like this? No, you don't. It is only conservative positions that are considered "beyond the pale" and in need of explanation or worse, apology. As was pointed out in the book, "Bias," liberal positions are considered "normal," and never need to be justified.