The number one claim of centrism seems to me to be that both conservatives and liberals are all dishonest. They don't seriously think that, say, a public health insurance program is a good idea, or a three strikes law is a good idea. That's just posturing. Everyone KNOWS that we need to cut the shit out of Medicare and Social Security but raise taxes on the 'Job Creators' a bit to offset that. The only reason I won't say it is because I'm unSerious, where Serious is defined as people who believe that.
I think that view is uncharitable. In fact, I think that view is bullshit. People typically believe things because they have honestly come to that conclusion after reasonable inquiry, I certainly have. If you disagree about my views on policy X, we can talk about it rationally. But I'm not wrong because I'm 'extreme'.
In fact, I think the opposite is true. 'Centrists' are often people who, for professional reasons, have to criticise both parties equally, while also maintaining an air of intellectual superiority. The best way to do that is to believe ~ L + C/2. You won't find anything remotely near the truth like that, of course, but who gives a shit?
I'm not necessarily accusing you of that rookie, though I very much am B Man.