Low ebb? Some would call it, the calm before the storm.
I agree. They said the same thing about Lincoln before all his opponents pulled out in 1864, and the same thing about Reagan after his 1976 loss. What's happening is that the conservatives, for the first time really in 12 years, are flexing their muscles and this time we aren't going to be satisfied with a symbolic "Contract" with America that is partially passed. This time we insist on action.