Because of the relatively narrow margins that divide the parties, moderates can still broker deals that have a great moderating influence on issues form tax cuts to judicial fights.

This splits the Republican coalition. It's only because social conservatives view other issues as more important that they have been able to overlook this transgression.

The overall problem the Republican Party has is it is increasingly looking like Tammany Hall. An odor of sleaziness is enveloping the Republicans and seeping into the administration.

The overall problem the Republican Party has is it is increasingly looking like Tammany Hall, ... An odor of sleaziness is enveloping the Republicans and seeping into the administration.

The moderate instinct is that the country is in crisis, and we have to find some degree of reconciliation and unity in the interests of the nation.

It's like an arms race. Once it's engaged, you have to match the other side.