[dayglored]

> Americans are a peculiar lot in that they like to vote split ticket, at least in modern times.

That's not all bad. US history (again, at least in modern times) shows that when opposing parties are in control of the Executive and Legislative branches, Washington tends to govern best. Personally I think that's because the balance of power keeps either branch from getting too far afield. I strongly favor small, effective, non-intrusive government.

If I had my druthers, the only way a new law could be adopted would be if two were repealed in its place. Having opposite parties in charge of the White House and Congress is a reasonable approximation to that ideal.

[streetpreacher]

That only works when you have a President who doesn’t play “go along to get along”. One that is willing to use the veto pen. Like Reagan and Clinton. Bush is kind of squishy on everything but national security.