Question

It has often been said that Democratic candidates are more liberal in Democratic primaries and Republican candidates are more conservative in Republican primaries than either is in the general election. Explain why.

Short answer

In primary elections, candidates need to appeal to their party's base, who are generally more ideologically pure, hence Democrats appear more liberal and Republicans more conservative. In the general election, candidates strive to appeal to a broader spectrum, including moderates and potentially swayable voters from the other party, so they adjust their policies to appear less partisan.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Political Spectrum

Recognize the political spectrum in the US where Democrats are generally associated with liberal policies and Republicans with conservative policies.

Grasping the dynamics of primary elections

Understand that primary elections are held within each party to choose a candidate for the general election. The voters in these primaries are typically the party's most dedicated followers, who often lean more heavily towards their party’s ideology.

Explaining the Shift in Political Stance

After winning the primary, candidates often shift closer to the center to appeal to a broader group of voters, including moderates and the other party's less committed voters, in the general election. In the primaries, they cater more to their party line - Republicans more conservative and Democrats more liberal - to appeal to the party's base.

Concluding the Explanation

Given that candidates need to appeal to both their party's base and more moderate voters during different phases of the election, this explains why the same candidate appears more partisan during the primaries than in the general election.