There's no secret about what's coming. We don't have that excuse this time. Here comes more fiscal recklessness -- as we widen the chasm between the ultra-wealthy and everyone else. ... Here comes an expansion of the American empire abroad, a fueling of fear and loathing elsewhere on the globe. ... Our civil liberties will shrink drastically. ... The environment? We'll be nostalgic for Ronald Reagan's time in office.

I suspect there's a third America: members of an increasingly radical middle that will become more obvious in the next few years, tolerant of those who are different and aware that the big problems of our times are being ignored -- or made worse -- by those in power today. That third America needs a candidate. Or, maybe, a new party.