Our system is a catamaran, designed to be stable with both pontoons in the water. Remove one, for too long, and we'll capsize.
Well said, Robert. I agree wholeheartedly. Frustrations and complaints from all points in the political landscape have resulted in the nation going bananas. While the logical candidates might have been something like Romney (conservative/business-oriented) vs HRC (liberal/middle class entitlements-oriented), some kind of antinomian mania has led us to the flukey culture wars burlesque now unfolding.
Regarding Palin: It is encouraging that the remarkably corrupt Republican establishment of Alaska hates her.
On Obama's side, if he loses, he will owe it to Michelle, who absolutely would not stand for Hillary on the ticket.