One should never underestimate the short-sightedness and egotism of the American electorate. Always remember that almost every election boils down to the 4-6% in the mushy middle who are often undecided until they step into the voting booth! And THAT's the group that politicians must win over to win! They have no principles, no standards. At least one can say about one's stalwart opponents in the other party that they do in fact have convictions, that they do believe in something. Talking to people without conviction in this world always shocks me.