Like Mitch, I have never noticed much correlation between solid intellectual foundations and political success. Well, not a positive correlation at least. I agree that a charismatic leader would be the best case and organization is key. What isn't really discussed in what organization would be best. Parties are hard to form. I don't think a third party is out of the question but not until some groundwork is laid. Moderate SuperPacs, preferably led by big names, could help. Adam Kinzinger just started one on the center-right. Add a center-left pne, have them collaborate to back up centrist candidates of either party, especially in primaries? This is the strategic discussion we need.