Maybe you "settle" for getting at least part of your agenda passed while compromising with the 50% of the people, (that also have a vote by the way), that you disagree with. The other option is "settling" for 0% of your agenda. We're in the minority my friend. 20% of the country would go for a true conservative agenda. I'm sure I'll get flamed here but I'm willing to settle for small steps in the right direction vs standing on the sidelines screaming because I didn't get anything I wanted.
The 50% that voted for Gore could also argue that same point you made. It's democracy at work. It's also why we don't have a king. Lots of people representing lots more people and they each have a vote based on how their constituents want them to vote, (or at least that's the general idea) :)
I'm willing to "settle" for an honest man in the Oval Office that respects the American people, respects his wife, respects the rule of law, and respects the military. After eight years of the draft dodger sticking cigars in an intern and hanging around the Oval Office in his sweat pants eating Doritos and drinking beer, I'd say we're definately taking little steps in the right direction...even if I don't agree with 100% of the legislation that he signs.
Seems to me that a politician that goes back on his promises shows disrespect to the American people (and the whole idea of representative government).