Both parties have become caricatures of themselves; the core platform of both parties is to get themselves reelected, regardless of the cost to their constituents or to the American people. Instead of solutions, politicians can produce only well-rehearsed, inflexible, talking points. It requires mental gymnastics merely to reconcile both parties’ (and the President’s) actions and stated positions with their party’s core values.
Republicans/Tea Party
“We are a pro-life party—but don’t you dare provide lifesaving health care to poor people.”
“We need to create jobs—so let’s embark on an austerity program bound to destroy them.”
“We’re tired of government bailouts and wasteful spending—but oil company subsidies are sacrosanct.”
Democrats
“The wealthy need to pay their fair share in taxes—but keep your hands off their social security!” (no means testing)
“We need to make a shared sacrifice and raise taxes—but only if the tax increases are borne entirely by the rich.” (taxes only on those who make > $250k/year instead of Bush tax cut rollback)
Obama
“We need to solve the deficit crisis; let’s appoint a bipartisan commission to propose creative solutions—so I can ignore them when the compromises proposed actually require me to expend political capital.”
“We need to restore the rule of law lost under Bush—but when public opinion shifts I will leave Guantanamo open and preserve military tribunals.”
“I believe in accountability—that’s why I voted to prevent telecom companies from being accountable for warrantless wiretapping, declined to prosecute most CIA torturers, and have produced few financial-crisis related prosecutions.”
We, the American people, are rightfully angry with this dysfunctional government—and we deserve better.