Delaney is often considered a centrist, and has touted his own bipartisan credentials as evidence of his ability to transcend the partisan divide.[1][2] He has stated that he regards bipartisan cooperation as being of greater importance than progressive goals.[3][4] Nevertheless, Delaney has also proclaimed himself to be a "progressive" interested in creating "real–not political–progress."[5][6] Delaney has also dubbed himself a "pragmatic progressive"[7] and a "pragmatic idealist".[8]
In his 2018 book Right Answer, Delaney wrote,
While my policy instincts are often considered progressive, my political instincts have always been bipartisan.[6]
Despite being frequently referred to as a "moderate", Delaney has not entirely identified as such.[10][11] Delaney has remarked,
People have a hard time labeling me. Some of the things they hear me talking about are on the total progressive or liberal end of the spectrum, and in other ways I'm kind of a solutions-oriented moderate who wants to get things done.[10]
However, as a 2020 presidential candidate, Delaney has proclaimed himself to be the "most moderate" individual running for the Democratic nomination.[12]