The Only Good Democratic-Republican Politician is an Ex-Democratic-Republican Politician

Of the few things any Republican or Democratic politician could do in order to make him- or herself into a figure worthy of respect rather than simply contempt, resigning an office is likely one of the most effective. On his way out the door of the Senate, Democrat Evan Bayh suggests the current state of the Democratic-Republican duopoly system of government has created an opening for third party politics. Via HuffPo:

In an interview with Charlie Rose, Bayh took pains to emphasize his support for President Obama's re-election, but said disarray within both political parties has created an opening for a third-party contender. Bayh called it "a Ross Perot Moment" -- a sentiment that has been echoed recently by New York Times columnist David Brooks.

From Bayh's interview with Charlie Rose:

Sen. BAYH: Well, there's a high level of frustration with the two-party system out there. And the public voted--concluded the Republicans weren't doing a very good job of solving our challenges. They're giving our party, the Democrats, a chance. I think the president very much wants to be a change agent. He's making a sincere effort. Not enough members of Congress are listening, either because of partisan or ideological reasons. his is, in some ways, another--for lack of a better phrase, "a Ross Perot moment." You remember back then, the deficit was unsustainably high. The economy was struggling. People had a sense that Washington was just broken, and they looked for someone from completely outside the system . . . if the economy does not improve . . . . that could be the kind of thing that, in spite of everyone's efforts, would really galvanize public opinion against everyone in Washington, regardless of party.

In a letter to the editor of Indiana's Lacrosse Tribune, a reader considers Bayh's retirement and argues that "the two-party system is the problem":

The two-party system is the primary problem with American politics. During the past 20 years, this has been exacerbated by the inexorable convergence of Republicans and Democrats. Despite what the lunatic fringes holler, it is exceedingly difficult to discern an average Dem from an average GOPer. The electorate will be better served if at least one viable third party emerges. An America with left, center and right parties will provide two more choices than what is currently realized.