American democracy is in a perilous condition. Both parties wrestle with the problems of affordability, and we are faced with a younger electorate that needs to be heard. The off-year elections demonstrated how these voters gain sway. An overwhelming group of 18 to 30-year-old voters, many of whom supported Donald Trump in 2024, swung to the Democrats in 2025

Of course, Republicans tried to downplay the results, but quickly backed away. They were given a breather when eight Democrats bolted and voted to reopen the government. But then the Epstein affair took center stage, and the mindless moderate Democrats were rescued from their folly. Afterwards, the discussion turned to Gavin Newsom and Zohran Momdani, whose victories had a similar effect to Proposition 13 in 1978, which contributed to Ronald Reagan’s triumph in 1980.

Indeed, it would seem to suggest that it is better to lose than to occupy the White House. Given Trump’s extravagance, Republicans must worry about the backlash. It also indicates that voters have yet to recommend a path. But at present, young voters seem restless. Additionally, the baby boom generation, represented by Joe Biden and Trump, leaves much to be desired.

Despite their personal differences, Trump and Biden share several traits in common. But the most serious of these is that both have tried to overplay their hand. Biden passed a lot of legislation and attempted to re-up the Great Society. Trump seems determined to recreate the early 1900s instead of implementing gradual reforms; both parties swung for the fences.

Hubris, that overweening conviction that one should and will get what they want, permeates both the Biden and Trump years. Biden increased benefits for Medicaid; his successor desires to roll them back. Hot water is replaced with a cold splash. As a result, the relations between the parties resemble battlelines more than democratic discourse.

To avoid nemesis, the disastrous consequence of hubris, is to seek a creative approach that advances the nation. Bombast and accusations exacerbate the situation. Perhaps having a congressional hearing that brings light rather than heat would be a start. But possibly one agreement is that no group gets everything, and one agreement is that no group gets everything on their wish list.

Again, give Marjorie Taylor Green and the Democratic colleague, Ro Khanna, credit for advancing healthcare. Kudos to many for trying to get to the bottom of the Epstein affair. Indeed, no one desires to provide Ghislaine Maxwell with luxuries in federal prison. No one wants to witness class warfare, but neither wants to create conditions that, down the road, could lead to social conflict. Moderation is not weakness or do-goodism. It is clarity, rationality, and a sense of purpose. This is a better way to solve our innumerable problems.