There was a time in American history when the Democrats and Republicans represented "ying" and "yang" and there was a balance between the two.
Democrats represented more social programs, more social justice, a little bit higher taxes, a little bit larger bureuacracy.
Republicans represented more state control, less radical social progress, a few more tax cuts, a little less bureaucracy.
So, a new program would be proposed by the Democrats, and the Republicans would say, "Too expensive." And they would compromise a little.
Or the Republicans would propose a program and the Democrats would say, "Too heartless." And they would compromise a little.
But now we don't have Eisenhower Republicans to deal with...but Goldwater-Reagan-Bush Republicans. Folks that have a radical religious agenda. Folks that don't care to balance the budget. Those that want to use the military recklessly. Those that want a bigger, bloated bureaucracy to benefit the few. Those that want huge tax cuts for the rich.
And because of this paradigm shift, we need a Presidential candidate that emphasizes states rights, fiscal responsibility, and dedication to bread and butter progressive issues.
It's Dean or Clark, folks. And we need them desperately.