Let’s also stop pretending Republicans have any credibility on anything. Can’t manage the economy, can’t keep us safe, can’t even keep their own party together.

This country has some real problems. They aren’t going to fix themselves, and Republicans have let it be known they’ve made the political calculation that it’s not in their best interest to help fix them. By repackaging themselves as the Tea Party, Republicans — probably harboring a lot of guilt — hope voters will quickly forget who caused those problems.

So while one party goes through a mid-life crisis, it’s up to progressives and Democrats. Again.

It’s been that way in the past, and we’ve always come through. When Republicans come with honest, forthright proposals, Democrats should work with them. But ultimately, one party has to sit in the driver’s seat; right now, that’s us.