I got the intermediate point just fine. I just don't see much difference in how the vote works (federal vs. local/state); people are ingrained in their voting habits. To expect them (and the media so many people surrender their minds to) to suddenly switch attitude -- in numbers that will make a difference -- well, I just don't feel it's realistic.

I'm still pinning my hopes on a popular group of candidates to become entirely exasperated and splinter off from one of the existing parties to form a new one. Somehow, I don't see that coming from our state or local legislature. And even if it did, I doubt they would get enough press coverage or business/monetary support to have any real, lasting effect. Or worse, they would get press coverage... amounting to, "Look what these nutballs are trying to do"

>I think you missed the whole point about "intermediate".
>
>Don't even think about the president. Plus, in 2006 you won't be voting for the president, so it's not even really relevant to the original question.
>
>Think about state and US legislature.