Centrists...some clarity

[Blue_Roses]

needed here. I've been a Democrat all my life, voted in the my first election for Dukakis, been active as a pro-choice counselor, have taught in public schools, but yet I have no idea what is the TRUE explanation of a centrist, that is, other than the dictionary.

To me, I've always been just a Democrat--no more, no less. It wasn't until heard Hillary Clinton speak of the "right wing conspiracy" with Matt on NBC's "Today Show," that I first heard of them.

I think it is because it is becoming more defined--which is a good thing, especially in the south where a Democrat label is usually considered to be a "liberal." Personally, I like the term "progressive" because I think that bests fits the Democrats. We want to continually "progress" and if we want to be a "liberal" or "centrist" in the process then that's okay too, cause we are Dems and we our umbrella is huge and seats many!

Now with that said...explain in detail a centrist and how they appear to the left and right.