The original "goal post" had to do with whether Palin was justified in using the word "democracy" to describe the U.S.
Perhaps we disagree, but I see no problem in doing so. Certainly it would be incorrect to describe our nation as an "undemocratic constitutional republic".
EVERY elected representative is elected DEMOCRATICALLY, except the President and Vice-President (and perhaps just a few others).
Further, to suggest that there are democratic elements to our form of government, but that there are no democratic principles, is just a little too far out for me. Certainly there are SOME principles to our form of government. I would be very surprised if none of them could be described as "democratic principles".