The Federal Maneuver

Now that US Presidential campaign is truly underway, it is amusing to see how candidates attempt to reconcile consolidation of the base, for primary, with overtures to floating, for elections. A sure shot way of placating base, weary of candidate's heresy, or tempting moderate, not too fond of orthodoxy, is the federal maneuver.
The trick is to state a position which is one part scotch mixed nine part soda* and then declare that actual legislative power regarding the issue resides with the state.

Of course this is not mere political creativity as division of legislative power between federal and state a fundamental feature of American constitution, and like other features its scope has always been subject to exhaustive discussion and commentary by constitutional expert.
In fact this was one of the most hotly contested topic in decades immediately following American Independence, one which will lead to first division between Hamilton led (and Washington blessed) Federalists and Jefferson led Republicans (the terms seem bit of misnomer to me).

However this appeal to state's right is based on convenience, and not on constitutional merit. So if you are a "moderate" Giuliani who wishes to score over conservative base, you can defer to states over abortion. Similarly a "conservative" Thompson can shield himself to assure the "moderates". Even though in America abortion is apparently the only single issue which divides a and modern male from a sadistic womb grabbing patriarchal Nazi male, or compassionate, god loving family oriented person and a heartless child murderer.

For the democrats it is the "gun ownership" which invokes this maneuver.

Added: Of course there is always gay marriage.

In fact state's rights has since long been a signal to the faithful. For example the political crisis before civil war was over the state right to retain slavery as institution. Similarly during the civil rights, segregation was embellished with state's right .

Of course the purpose is not to dismiss states right which are part and parcel of American constitution, and intrinsic to evolution of USA as a Republic, with colonies delegating their sovereignty. However a little honesty and admission of nuance over complicated questions, instead of religious fervour and assumption of self righteousness.

But then it is feature not bug.

*Conjecture, I am a teetotaller.