"UK politics occupy about a 1 inch span slightly left of centre of the US 5 mile wide stretch "
I find it interesting that you, a self-confessed UK conservative, consider the full spectrum of British politics to occupy a point "slightly left of centre" of the US range. I'm sure you've noted that US conservatives consider the UK practically a socialist state, the same way they see the rest of western Europe.
I consider myself somehat left of center by US standards, but I suspect (conceding I know little of of British politics) if I were a British subject I would probably vote Tory myself.
I would like your opinion on the following: Do you feel much American political debate (as you see it here) is primarily an attempt to re-define just what a moderate or a centrist is?