[demadog]

Yea my first thought is the absolutist slogans and chants can turn away those in the middle. I’d rather see facts and have smart people plan and debate. On the other token, as in politics, it’s the one liners that get spread far and wide and affect more people (positive or negatively). Obama said it best that the protests essentially make the issues front and center and in everyone’s mind, but the rubber hits the road only when electing local officials that can make permanent changes.

[jddj]

I agree with your second point. American federal politicians and political organizations seem to care less and less about the middle.

Change happens at the edges, and sadly people deal more and more in extremes + absolutes. There's not much room for nuance.