If Clinton had acted the way he campaigned, we would have lost seats in the House and Senate. But Clinton allowed the leftists in Congress and his wife drive him from the center to the left. (Gays in the military, Hillary care, tax increase, etc.). Thus, the center, confronted with the far left, swung to the right.
I don't know about that, Miss M. The 'contract with America' had some rather rightist stuff as I recall...eliminate Dept of Ed comes to mind.
How come when conservative ideas win elections we rationalize the power of those ideas away? The last big win for conservatives was Reagan, but I guess the reason for that would be rationalized that Carter was soooo poor.
Meanwhile, when the conservative ideas get covered over what seems to happen?.....Bush 41, Bob Dole come to mind immediately, and Gerry Ford soon after....at least post '64.