The following guest entry was written by Doug Bailey, founder of Unity08, former advisor to President Gerald Ford and founder of National Journal's Hotline.

Like '94 this election has been nationalized. Then it was the Contract for America; this time Iraq. One difference: Gingrich could claim a mandate (even if the Contract was mostly process stuff). What is the Democrats' mandate?

The middle, not “the base,” decided this election. They spoke out loudly – against the President and his Iraq policy, but not for anybody. They would have voted “none of the above” if given the chance. Blame-game and polarized politics means paralyzed government. Little but the leaders will change.

Saving the two-party system ironically may require a third party – the election of a Unity Ticket (one R, one D) to the White House in 2008. It will jolt the two parties to pay attention to the middle, which is a good way to win, a better way to govern, and the only way to lead. Looking for politics with purpose? Come to www.Unity08.com.