" Because liberalism typically doesn’t sell in American presidential politics, liberal candidates tend to run as culturally conservative centrists. "
- Rich Lowry

In American presidential politics, there's a tendency for liberal candidates to face challenges when openly advocating their full ideological stances because voters often respond more positively to centrist or conservative messaging. As a result, these candidates frequently position themselves as supportive of cultural conservatism while still promoting moderate policies on economic and social issues.

The deeper meaning behind this statement reflects the complexities and strategic nature of political campaigning in the United States. It suggests that to appeal to a broad electorate, liberal politicians must navigate a fine line between their core values and what they perceive to be more electorally favorable positions. This strategy acknowledges that while many Americans might lean left on economic issues, there is often significant cultural conservatism within the population. By blending these elements, liberal candidates hope to broaden their base of support without alienating key segments of the electorate.

Rich Lowry is a prominent American journalist and political commentator known for his conservative viewpoints. He has been the editor of National Review since 2006 and has written extensively on politics and culture in various publications. His statement underscores his perspective on how liberal candidates operate within the constraints of American electoral politics, aiming to resonate with voters while maintaining their ideological integrity.