Elite fundamentalism has always going to be involved with a certain set of conservative interests, but certainly not exclusively Republican.

What's interesting is the populace movement of fundamentalism is starting to mirror that approach that elite fundamentalism has long had of trying to have influence across the political spectrum.

The politics of that year [2004] are old now, but the problem remains the same, the real culture clash of American life. It's between the essence of fundamentalism - paternalism, authority, and charity - and the messy imperatives of democracy, "the din of the vox populi" once derided by Abram Vereide. It's the difference between false unity, preached from above, and real solidarity, pledged between brothers and sisters - the kinds who are always bickering.

Liberalism doesn't speak to ideals. Radicalism does.

Elite fundamentalism has always going to be involved with a certain set of conservative interests, but certainly not exclusively Republican.

My favorite forgotten President in American history is James Buchanan, who in defending really robust and sharp-elbowed debates said, "I like the noise of democracy. I like the sound of people in the streets making noise."

America is going to start happening outside of the parties.