re: #296 avanti

Something from Nate Silverman the makes sense to me when talking about Spector.
“The Republican death Spiral “
Thus the Republicans are in something of a death spiral. The more conservative their message becomes, the more they alienate non-base Republicans. But the more they alienate non-base Republicans, the fewer of them are left to worry about appeasing. Thus, their message becomes continually more appealing to the base — but more conservative, partisan, and strident to the rest of us. And the process loops back upon itself.
link…

Avanti, I know that this is not your intent , but you are making the case for the inverse as well. That is to say that Republicans seek moderation, but nothing is too extreme for Democrats. Unless of course you assert that BHO is just a middle of the road kinda guy.